Showy hawthorn
Crataegus festivafam. Rosaceae
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Pl. 4162 — Crataegus festiva
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IOverview
Overview
Showy hawthorn (Crataegus festiva) is a small tree or shrub native to North America and found in various regions including Albania, Austria, the Baltic States, Belarus, Belgium, Bulgaria, Central European Russia, and Corsica. This plant thrives in light to partial shade with moist to wet soil that can be sandy, medium, or clay-like. It grows to a height of about 3 to 5 meters (10-15 feet) and is known for its white flowers with five petals and small, red fruits. Showy hawthorn is both edible and medicinal; the fruits are often used in culinary applications. Its distinctive features include oval-shaped leaves with serrated edges and a light requirement that can range from full sun to partial shade.
Quick answers
What is Showy hawthorn?
Showy hawthorn (Crataegus festiva) is a small tree or shrub native to North America and found in various regions including Albania, Austria, the Baltic States, Belarus, Belgium, Bulgaria, Central European Russia, and Corsica.
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
heart healthtincture
Traditionally used for cardiovascular support.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Showy hawthorn (Crataegus festiva) 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 6-9 and reaches a height of about 3 meters. For propagation, the plant can be grown from seeds or cuttings. The fruits are edible and provide a tasty treat for both humans and wildlife.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade
Water
Moist, Wet
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
6-9
Mature size
3.0 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Showy hawthorn for the first time
8steps
Start with a small Showy hawthorn tree and focus on basic care for the first year.
- 1
What you'll need
A young Showy hawthorn sapling, garden gloves, and a trowel.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in early spring or late fall when the soil is moist but not waterlogged.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Ensure the soil is well-draining with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5, and prepare a hole twice as wide as the root ball.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Transplant the sapling carefully, keeping the roots intact, and water thoroughly after planting.
- 5
First two weeks
Keep the soil moist but not soggy. Water once a week unless there is significant rainfall.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water regularly during dry spells, mulch to retain moisture, and prune lightly in late winter or early spring.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune the tree annually to maintain shape and remove any dead or diseased branches. Harvest fruits when they turn red.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in heavy clay soil, neglecting winter protection, and not providing enough sunlight.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Fruit
Edible uses: The showy hawthorn's small, red fruits can be eaten raw or cooked. They are often used to make jams and jellies due to their tart flavor. The fruits can also be dried for later use. Skip the seeds before consuming as they may not be palatable.
Other uses:Fragrance
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
30 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
30 native · 0 introducedDistribution across2 continents· 30 native
Europe18 regions
native (18)AlbaniaAustriaBelarusBelgiumBulgariaCyprusFranceGermanyGreeceHungaryItalyNetherlandsPolandRomaniaRussiaSpainSwitzerlandUkraine
Asia2 regions
native (2)IraqTurkey
Broader regions
native:Baltic States, Czechoslovakia, East Aegean Is., Yugoslavia
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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