Broadleaf hawthorn
Crataegus dilatata
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. 3D62 — Crataegus dilatata
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IOverview
Overview
Broadleaf hawthorn (Crataegus dilatata) is a deciduous tree or shrub native to the eastern United States, including Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Missouri, New York, and parts of Ontario in Canada. Known for its edible fruit, this plant thrives in moist to wet soils with a preference for light to partial shade. It can grow up to 6 meters tall and is often found in habitats such as floodplains and along riverbanks. The broadleaf hawthorn's distinctive feature lies in its ability to produce small, red berries that are both ornamental and edible, making it a valuable addition to gardens and natural landscapes alike.
Quick answers
What is Broadleaf hawthorn?
Broadleaf hawthorn (Crataegus dilatata) is a deciduous tree or shrub native to the eastern United States, including Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Missouri, New York, and parts of Ontario in Canada.
What is Broadleaf hawthorn used for?
Traditionally used for immune support. Each claim is evidence-rated — see Section II for full citations.
Best for
Top 1 evidence-ranked use of Broadleaf hawthorn
Clinicaluses · safety · chemistry · dosagemedicinal profile
IIBenefits & evidence
1 claim · 0 sources
Benefits & evidence
1 claim · 0 sources- Traditional-use note: Broadleaf hawthorn appears in herbal sources around seasonal wellness traditions, often as a tea. PlantSage presents this as ethnobotanical context, not as medical advice.
Traditional context only. This reviewed claim keeps the original low confidence level, but avoids treatment, disease, dosage, or guaranteed-effect language.
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.
Broadleaf hawthorn support blend
generaltea
AI returned a direct ingredient list; normalized into one draft blend for editorial review.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Broadleaf hawthorn thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers moist to wet soil that is light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It can grow up to 6 meters tall and adapts well as both a tree and shrub. For propagation, it typically requires no special methods; simply plant seeds or propagate via cuttings. Hardy in temperate regions, this plant is native to several northeastern and central U.S. states and Ontario, making it suitable for gardens in similar climates. The fruit is edible and can be used for various culinary purposes.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade
Water
Moist, Wet
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Habit
Tree, Shrub
Mature size
6.0 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Broadleaf hawthorn for the first time
7steps
Start with planting Broadleaf hawthorn in a sunny spot and follow these beginner-friendly steps.
- 1
What you'll need
A young Broadleaf hawthorn sapling, garden gloves, a spade or trowel.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in early spring before new growth starts or in late fall after leaves have dropped.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Ensure the soil is well-draining with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5; loosen the topsoil to about 30 cm deep.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Dig a hole twice as wide but no deeper than the root ball, place the sapling in, backfill with soil, and water thoroughly.
- 5
First two weeks
Keep the soil moist; mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water regularly during dry spells, especially when young. Fertilize once a year in early spring with a balanced fertilizer.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune in late winter before new growth starts to maintain shape and remove any dead or diseased branches.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Fruit
Edible uses: The broadleaf hawthorn's fruit can be eaten fresh or used in various preparations. It is often picked when ripe and consumed raw, but can also be made into jams, jellies, and syrups. The fruit can also be dried for later use. Skip the seeds as they are not edible.
Other uses:Fragrance
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
15 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
15 native · 0 introducedDistribution across0 continents· 15 native
Broader regions
native:Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Missouri, New York, Ohio, Ontario, Pennsylvania, Québec, Tennessee, Vermont, Wisconsin
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
Compare with similar plants
XII
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