Haw
Crataegus gemosa
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. 7E2A — Crataegus gemosa
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IOverview
Overview
Haw, scientifically known as Crataegus gemosa, is a deciduous shrub or small tree native to the northeastern and north-central United States, extending into eastern Canada. Known for its edible fruit, haw thrives in moist to wet soils of light (sandy), medium, and heavy (clay) types. It prefers full sun to partial shade and can grow up to 8 meters tall. This plant is valued not only for its ornamental appeal but also for its culinary uses, as the fruit can be used in jams, jellies, and other preserves. One distinctive feature of haw is its ability to adapt to various soil conditions, making it a versatile addition to gardens and landscapes.
Quick answers
What is Haw?
Haw, scientifically known as Crataegus gemosa, is a deciduous shrub or small tree native to the northeastern and north-central United States, extending into eastern Canada. Known for its edible fruit, haw thrives in moist to wet soils of light (sandy), medium, and heavy (clay) types.
What is Haw 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 Haw
Clinicaluses · safety · chemistry · dosagemedicinal profile
IIBenefits & evidence
2 claims · 0 sources
Benefits & evidence
2 claims · 0 sources- Traditional-use note: Haw 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.
- Crataegus species have a long history in traditional medicine for aiding digestion and reducing symptoms of indigestion. A decoction made from the fruit or leaves may help improve digestive function.
Hawthorn contains proanthocyanidins which can stimulate gastric juice secretion, potentially improving digestion. However, the specific mechanism 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.
Haw support blend
generaltea
AI returned a direct ingredient list; normalized into one draft blend for editorial review.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Haw thrives in full to partial sun and prefers moist to wet conditions. It can grow in light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay) soils. This plant is hardy in temperate regions and can reach a height of 8 meters. For propagation, use seeds or grafting. The fruit is edible and can be harvested for consumption.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade
Water
Moist, Wet
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Mature size
8.0 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Haw for the first time
7steps
Start with planting Haw in a sunny spot and follow these beginner-friendly steps.
- 1
What you'll need
A young Haw plant, garden gloves, a trowel, and some compost.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant Haw 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 young Haw plants into their permanent spot, ensuring they are at the same depth as in their container.
- 5
First two weeks
Water the plant regularly to keep the soil moist but not soggy. Monitor for any signs of stress or pests.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide full sun to partial shade, and water when the top inch of soil feels dry. Prune in late winter to maintain shape.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune Haw in late winter to remove dead or crossing branches and encourage new growth.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Fruit
Edible uses: The haw fruit can be eaten raw or used in various preparations. It is often cooked into jams, jellies, and pies. The fruits can also be dried for later use. SKIP
Other uses:Fragrance
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
25 native · 2 introduced
Distribution
25 native · 2 introducedDistribution across1 continent· 25 native· 2 introduced
Europe2 regions
introduced (2)FranceUnited Kingdom
Broader regions
native:Colorado, Connecticut, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Manitoba, Maryland, Masachusettes, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Ontario, Pennsylvania, Québec, Rhode I., Tennessee, Vermont, West Virginia, 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
About this entry
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- Citation
- How to cite this entry · Submit a correction
Back to the cataloguePlant id · 7e2a8ab1-c02f-44c4-aa0d-1c88e9268118
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