Parsley-Leaved Hawthorn
Crataegus apiifoliafam. Rosaceae
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Pl. C634 — Crataegus apiifolia
Crataegus apiifoliaCrataegus apiifoliaCrataegus apiifoliaCrataegus apiifoliaCrataegus apiifoliaCrataegus apiifoliaCrataegus apiifoliaCrataegus apiifoliaCrataegus apiifoliaCrataegus apiifoliaCrataegus apiifoliaCrataegus apiifoliaCrataegus apiifoliaCrataegus apiifolia
IOverview
Overview
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, and Tennessee. Known for its edible fruit and documented medicinal uses, this plant thrives in moist to wet soils with a pH ranging from 5.8 to 7.2. It prefers light to partial shade and can grow up to 4 meters tall. The plant is valued not only for its ornamental qualities but also for its culinary and traditional medicine applications. One distinctive feature of this hawthorn species is its leaves, which resemble those of parsley, adding a unique character to the landscape.
Quick answers
What is 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, and Tennessee.
IV·bMixology suggestions
1 draft
Mixology suggestions
1 draftEditorial drafts. These pairings are AI-suggested from traditional herbal lore. Always verify with a qualified herbalist before brewing.
Heart Harmony
hearttincture
Traditional use for heart health.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Parsley-Leaved Hawthorn thrives in full to partial sun and prefers moist to wet soils that are light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It is hardy in zones 6-9 and can grow up to 4 meters tall, making it a versatile shrub or small tree. For cultivation, ensure the soil pH is between 5.8 and 7.2 for optimal growth. Propagate via seeds or cuttings. The fruit is edible but not commonly used as a food source.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade
Water
Moist, Wet
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
6-9
Habit
Tree, Shrub
Mature size
4.0 m tall
Soil pH
5.8–7.2
For first-time growers
How to grow Parsley-Leaved Hawthorn for the first time
8steps
Start with planting Parsley-Leaved Hawthorn in a sunny spot and follow these beginner-friendly steps.
- 1
What you'll need
Parsley-Leaved Hawthorn saplings, garden gloves, spade or trowel.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring after the last frost or fall before the first freeze.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Ensure soil is well-draining with a pH between 5.8 and 7.2; loosen the topsoil if planting in containers.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Transplant saplings into prepared ground, spacing them about 4 meters apart for shrub-like growth.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep soil moist but not waterlogged; mulch around the base to retain moisture.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide full sun or partial shade, and water when the top inch of soil feels dry. Prune in late winter for shape.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune annually in late winter to maintain shape; no fruit is commonly harvested.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in heavy clay soils, and not providing enough sunlight are common issues.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Fruit
Edible uses: The fruit of the parsley-leaved hawthorn can be eaten, though typically not as a primary food source. It is often picked and consumed fresh when ripe, or used in small quantities for flavoring due to its tartness. The fruit can also be dried for later use.
Other uses:RootstockFragrance
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
15 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
15 native · 0 introducedDistribution across1 continent· 15 native
Asia1 region
native (1)Georgia
Broader regions
native:Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Illinois, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXSee also
8 related
See also
8 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family (Rosaceae), common use cases, and growing requirements.
same family · Rosaceae
Botanical relatives — often share phytochemistry + growing needs.
XI
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Companion planting
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Growing zone
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