Scarlet Hawthorn
Crataegus ellwangeriana
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Pl. 3F41 — Crataegus ellwangeriana
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IOverview
Overview
Scarlet Hawthorn (Crataegus ellwangeriana) is a deciduous shrub or small tree native to the central and eastern United States, ranging from Alabama to Wisconsin. Known for its ornamental value and edible fruit, this plant thrives in moist to wet soils of light, medium, or heavy consistency. It prefers full sun to partial shade and can grow up to 6 meters tall. Native to parts of Alabama, Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Ontario, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, and Wisconsin, the Scarlet Hawthorn is valued for its light-colored flowers and vibrant red fruit that ripens in late summer. Its adaptability to various soil types makes it a versatile addition to gardens and landscapes.
Quick answers
What is Scarlet Hawthorn?
Scarlet Hawthorn (Crataegus ellwangeriana) is a deciduous shrub or small tree native to the central and eastern United States, ranging from Alabama to Wisconsin. Known for its ornamental value and edible fruit, this plant thrives in moist to wet soils of light, medium, or heavy consistency.
What is Scarlet Hawthorn used for?
Traditionally used for stress & anxiety, immune support. Each claim is evidence-rated — see Section II for full citations.
Best for
Top 2 evidence-ranked uses of Scarlet Hawthorn
Clinicaluses · safety · chemistry · dosagemedicinal profile
IIBenefits & evidence
2 claims · 0 sources
Benefits & evidence
2 claims · 0 sources- Traditional-use note: Scarlet 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.
- Scarlet Hawthorn is traditionally used in herbal medicine for supporting the immune system during cold and flu season. A decoction of the leaves, flowers, or berries may help maintain overall health.
Crataegus species contain proanthocyanidins which have been shown to enhance immune function by modulating cytokine production and improving phagocyte activity.
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.
Scarlet Hawthorn support blend
generaltea
AI returned a direct ingredient list; normalized into one draft blend for editorial review.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Scarlet Hawthorn thrives in full to partial sun and prefers moist to wet soil that is light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It grows well in hardiness zones 5-7 and can reach a height of 6 meters. For optimal growth, ensure the soil remains consistently moist but avoid overwatering. This plant is native to several Midwestern and Southern states, making it adaptable to temperate regions. Propagation can be done through seeds or cuttings.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade
Water
Moist, Wet
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
5-7
Mature size
6.0 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Scarlet Hawthorn for the first time
8steps
Start with planting Scarlet Hawthorn in a sunny spot and follow these simple steps for success.
- 1
What you'll need
Scarlet Hawthorn saplings, garden gloves, spade or trowel.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in early spring or late fall when the soil is moist and workable.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Ensure the soil is well-draining with a pH between 6.0-7.5; loosen the topsoil if planting in containers.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Dig a hole twice as wide but not deeper than the root ball, and place the sapling gently inside.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep the soil moist; mulch around the base to retain moisture.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water deeply once a week during dry spells; prune in late winter to maintain shape and health.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune in late winter to remove dead or crossing branches, promoting healthy growth.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting too deep, neglecting regular pruning.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Fruit
Edible uses: The fruit of the Scarlet Hawthorn is edible and can be eaten raw or used in various preparations. It is often harvested when ripe and consumed fresh, though it can also be dried for later use.
Other uses:Fragrance
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
21 native · 1 introduced
Distribution
21 native · 1 introducedDistribution across0 continents· 21 native· 1 introduced
Broader regions
native:Alabama, Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Ontario, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Wisconsin
introduced:Baltic States
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
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