Crataegus aprica
Crataegus aprica
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Pl. DA63 — Crataegus aprica
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IOverview
Overview
Crataegus aprica, commonly known as the downy hawthorn, is a deciduous tree native to the southeastern United States, including Alabama, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia. This hardy plant thrives in various soil types—light (sandy), medium, and heavy (clay)—and can tolerate both dry and moist conditions, making it adaptable to different environments. It prefers full sun to partial shade and grows up to 6 meters tall. The fruit of C. aprica is edible, adding a unique flavor to culinary creations while enhancing the landscape with its ornamental value.
Quick answers
What is Crataegus aprica?
Crataegus aprica, commonly known as the downy hawthorn, is a deciduous tree native to the southeastern United States, including Alabama, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia.
What is Crataegus aprica used for?
Traditionally used for digestion. Each claim is evidence-rated — see Section II for full citations.
Best for
Top 1 evidence-ranked use of Crataegus aprica
Clinicaluses · safety · chemistry · dosagemedicinal profile
IIBenefits & evidence
1 claim · 0 sources
Benefits & evidence
1 claim · 0 sources- Crataegus species, including C. aprica, have been traditionally used in European herbal medicine for digestive issues such as bloating and indigestion, often prepared as a tea.
Flavonoids like hyperoside and quercetin found in hawthorn may help improve gastric motility and reduce inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract. However, the specific mechanism for C. aprica is not fully characterised.
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.
Crataegus aprica support blend
generaltea
AI returned a direct ingredient list; normalized into one draft blend for editorial review.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Crataegus aprica thrives in full to partial sun and prefers moist to dry soil that is light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It grows well in hardiness zones 5-9, making it adaptable for temperate regions. This plant can reach a height of 6 meters and produces edible fruit. Ensure the soil remains consistently moist but allow some periods of dryness to support healthy growth.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade
Water
Dry, Moist, Wet
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
5-9
Mature size
6.0 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Crataegus aprica for the first time
8steps
Start with planting Crataegus aprica in a sunny spot and follow these beginner-friendly steps.
- 1
What you'll need
A young Crataegus aprica sapling, well-draining soil, and a garden fork.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring or fall when the weather is cooler.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Ensure the soil is well-draining and slightly acidic. Amend with compost if needed.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Transplant a young sapling from a nursery pot into your garden bed, ensuring it has enough space to grow.
- 5
First two weeks
Water the plant regularly to help it establish. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide full sun or partial shade and regular watering, especially during dry spells. Prune lightly in late winter to maintain shape.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune in late winter to remove dead or crossing branches and encourage new growth.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in heavy clay soil, and not providing enough sunlight are common issues beginners should avoid.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Fruit
Edible uses: The fruit of Crataegus aprica is edible and can be eaten raw or used in various preparations. Typically, the fruit is consumed fresh but can also be dried for later use.
Other uses:Fragrance
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
7 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
7 native · 0 introducedDistribution across1 continent· 7 native
Asia1 region
native (1)Georgia
Broader regions
native:North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, Florida, Alabama
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, common use cases, and growing requirements.
shared use cases
Different families, similar therapeutic role — good for comparing.
XI
Explore further
Companion planting
Health goals
Compare with similar plants
Growing zone
XII
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