Fireberry Hawthorn
Crataegus chrysocarpa
Educational content — not medical, botanical, or professional advice. Always consult a qualified clinician before using any herbal preparation — especially during pregnancy, breastfeeding, while on medication, or for children. How we source & review →
Pl. D074 — Crataegus chrysocarpa
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IOverview
Overview
Fireberry Hawthorn (Crataegus chrysocarpa) is a deciduous tree or shrub native to the northeastern and north-central United States and parts of Canada. Known for its edible berries that are often used in jams and preserves, it also has ornamental value with white flowers and red fruit. This plant thrives in moist to wet soils, preferring light to medium soil types and full sun to partial shade. Hardy from zones 4-8, Fireberry Hawthorn can grow up to 6 meters tall and is adaptable to various environments within its native range. Its distinctive feature includes the bright red berries that ripen in late summer and early fall, adding a splash of color to the landscape.
Quick answers
What is Fireberry Hawthorn?
Fireberry Hawthorn (Crataegus chrysocarpa) is a deciduous tree or shrub native to the northeastern and north-central United States and parts of Canada. Known for its edible berries that are often used in jams and preserves, it also has ornamental value with white flowers and red fruit.
What is Fireberry Hawthorn used for?
Traditionally used for stress & anxiety, digestion. Each claim is evidence-rated — see Section II for full citations.
Best for
Top 2 evidence-ranked uses of Fireberry Hawthorn
Clinicaluses · safety · chemistry · dosagemedicinal profile
IIBenefits & evidence
2 claims · 0 sources
Benefits & evidence
2 claims · 0 sources- Traditional-use note: Fireberry Hawthorn appears in herbal sources around calming and relaxation traditions, often as a tea. PlantSage presents this as ethnobotanical context, not as medical advice.
Traditional context only. This reviewed claim keeps the original moderate confidence level, but avoids treatment, disease, dosage, or guaranteed-effect language.
- Hawthorn has a long history in traditional medicine for aiding digestion. A decoction of the leaves and flowers may help soothe digestive discomfort.
Crataegus species contain proanthocyanidins which can have anti-inflammatory effects on the gastrointestinal tract, potentially improving digestive function.
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.
Fireberry Hawthorn support blend
generaltea
AI returned a direct ingredient list; normalized into one draft blend for editorial review.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Fireberry Hawthorn thrives in full to partial sun and prefers moist to wet soil that is light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). Hardy in zones 4-8, it grows best as a tree or shrub reaching up to 6 meters tall. Propagate through fruit or shoots for new plants. Ensure the soil remains consistently moist for optimal growth and health.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade
Water
Moist, Wet
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
4-8
Habit
Tree, Shrub
Mature size
6.0 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Fireberry Hawthorn for the first time
8steps
Start with Fireberry Hawthorn as a simple, low-maintenance tree for your garden.
- 1
What you'll need
Fireberry Hawthorn saplings or seeds, gardening gloves, spade, watering can.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in early spring or late fall when the ground is not frozen.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Ensure soil is moist, well-draining, and rich in organic matter. For containers, use a mix of light (sandy), medium, and heavy (clay) soils.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Transplant saplings 30-60 cm apart. Sow seeds directly into the ground after stratification for better germination.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep soil moist but not waterlogged. Monitor for pests and diseases.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide full sun to partial shade, regular watering, and mulching to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune in late winter before new growth starts to maintain shape. Harvest fruit when they turn bright red.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting too deep, neglecting regular pruning, not providing enough sunlight.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:FruitShoots
Edible uses: The Fireberry Hawthorn's fruit and shoots are edible. The fruit can be eaten raw or used in jams, while young shoots may be prepared as a potherb, often cooked to enhance their flavor.
Other uses:Fragrance
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
30 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
30 native · 0 introducedDistribution across0 continents· 30 native
Broader regions
native:New Brunswick, British Columbia, Colorado, Connecticut, Illinois, Iowa, Maine, Manitoba, Massachusetts, Alberta, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, New Hampshire, New Mexico, New York, Newfoundland, North Dakota, Nova Scotia, Ohio, Ontario, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Prince Edward I., Québec, Rhode I., Saskatchewan, South Dakota
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
About this entry
- Last updated
- Citation
- How to cite this entry · Submit a correction
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