Large Seeded Hawthorn Crataegus macrosperma

Crataegus, or Hawthorn, is a genus containing many species and varieties distributed across North Carolina from the low swamps and river bottoms of the east to the higher mountain ridges of the west. Crataegus macrosperma, or Bigfruit Hawthorn, is a native large shrub or small tree found in mesic or subxeric hardwood forests, wooded slopes, rock outcrops, pastures, thickets, mountain balds and rocky summits in the Piedmont and mountains of North Carolina. The tree may vary in shape and size and fruit production depending on where it is growing, because hybridization occurs easily with other hawthorns. Despite the common name, the fruit is not exceptionally large.

Like most Hawthorns, Bigfruit Hawthorn has long straight thorns, white flowers that bloom in spring. and edible fruits in fall. This tree prefers a well-drained moisture-retentive loamy soil but is not at all fussy and will tolerate clay soils. It also tolerates drought and wind, but does not do well with salt air. Fruiting is best in full sun. It will grow in partial shade, but that will impact the quantity and quality of the fruit. When grown from seed, the trees take 5 to 8 years before they start bearing fruit; grafted trees will often flower heavily in their third year. The flowers have a smell like decaying fish that attracts midges, which are the main means of fertilization. When freshly open, the flowers have more pleasant scent.

Diseases, Pests, and Other Plant Problems:

No known diseases or pests.