Parsley-Leaved Hawthorn

Parsley-Leaved Hawthorn (Crataegus apiifolia) is a deciduous shrub or small tree native to the southeastern United States, including Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and Virginia. This plant thrives in moist to wet soils with a pH ranging from 5.8 to 7.2, preferring light to partial shade. It can grow up to 4 meters tall and is hardy in zones 6-9. The leaves of this hawthorn species resemble those of parsley, adding a unique character to the landscape. The plant is valued for its ornamental qualities, as well as its culinary and traditional medicine applications. The fruit, while edible, is typically used in small quantities for flavoring due to its tartness and is often picked and consumed fresh when ripe. The fruit can also be dried for later use. Cultivation of this plant is straightforward, with optimal growth in soils that are light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). For propagation, seeds or cuttings can be used. While the fruit is edible, it is not commonly used as a primary food source.