Crataegus illinoiensis
Crataegus illinoiensis
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. 4FC7 — Crataegus illinoiensis
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IOverview
Overview
Crataegus illinoiensis, commonly known as the Carolina hawthorn, is a deciduous shrub or small tree native to eastern North America. This member of the Rosaceae family thrives in moist to wet soils and can be found across parts of Europe including Albania, Algeria, Austria, and Belarus. Known for its edible fruit, which can be used in jams and jellies, it also serves as an ornamental plant with distinctive white flowers in spring followed by bright red berries in fall. Its adaptability to various soil types, including light (sandy), medium, and heavy (clay) soils, makes it a versatile addition to gardens and landscapes.
Quick answers
What is Crataegus illinoiensis?
Crataegus illinoiensis, commonly known as the Carolina hawthorn, is a deciduous shrub or small tree native to eastern North America. This member of the Rosaceae family thrives in moist to wet soils and can be found across parts of Europe including Albania, Algeria, Austria, and Belarus.
What is Crataegus illinoiensis used for?
Traditionally used for immune support, stress & anxiety. Each claim is evidence-rated — see Section II for full citations.
Best for
Top 2 evidence-ranked uses of Crataegus illinoiensis
Clinicaluses · safety · chemistry · dosagemedicinal profile
IIBenefits & evidence
2 claims · 0 sources
Benefits & evidence
2 claims · 0 sources- Crataegus species, including hawthorn, have been traditionally used in European herbal medicine to support immune function. A decoction of the fruit or leaves may help bolster the body's defenses during seasonal changes.
The mechanism is not fully characterised but involves antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds that may modulate immune responses.
- Traditional-use note: Crataegus illinoiensis appears in herbal sources around calming and relaxation traditions, often as a tincture. 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.
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.
Crataegus illinoiensis support blend
generaltea
AI returned a direct ingredient list; normalized into one draft blend for editorial review.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Crataegus illinoiensis thrives in moist to wet soils of light (sandy), medium, and heavy (clay) types, with a preferred pH range of 6 to 7.2. It requires full sun to partial shade for optimal growth. This shrub or small tree is hardy in temperate regions and can reach heights of up to 5 meters. For propagation, use seeds or hardwood cuttings. Ensure the soil remains consistently moist but not waterlogged to mimic its native growing conditions.
Light
7/10
Water
Moist, Wet
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Habit
Shrub, Tree
Mature size
5.0 m tall
Soil pH
6–7.2
For first-time growers
How to grow Crataegus illinoiensis for the first time
7steps
Start with planting Crataegus illinoiensis in a well-prepared soil and follow basic care instructions for success.
- 1
What you'll need
A young Crataegus illinoiensis plant, garden gloves, a spade or trowel, and water.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in early spring or late autumn when the soil is workable but not frozen.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Ensure the soil is well-draining with a pH between 6.0 and 7.2, and loosen it to a depth of about 30 cm (12 inches).
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Transplant young plants in their dormant season, avoiding hot summer days.
- 5
First two weeks
Water the plant regularly to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Monitor for signs of stress or disease.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide regular watering during dry spells and mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune in late winter before new growth starts, focusing on removing dead or crossing branches.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Fruit
Edible uses: The fruit of Crataegus illinoiensis is edible and can be eaten raw or used in various preparations. Typically, the fruits are harvested when ripe and may be consumed fresh or incorporated into jams, jellies, and other preserves. They can also be dried for later use. SKIP
Other uses:Fragrance
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
30 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
30 native · 0 introducedDistribution across3 continents· 30 native
Europe19 regions
native (19)AlbaniaAustriaBelarusBelgiumBulgariaCyprusDenmarkFinlandFranceGermanyGreeceHungaryIrelandItalyNetherlandsRussiaSpainUkraineUnited Kingdom
Asia1 region
native (1)Iraq
Africa3 regions
native (3)AlgeriaLibyaMorocco
Broader regions
native:Lebanon-Syria, Baltic States, Czechoslovakia, East Aegean Is., Kriti
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
XII
About this entry
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