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Copenhagen hawthorn

Crataegus intricata
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Crataegus intricata (Copenhagen hawthorn) — botanical photograph
Pl. F162 — Crataegus intricata
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I

Overview

The Copenhagen hawthorn (Crataegus intricata) is a deciduous shrub or small tree native to the eastern United States and Ontario, Canada. It thrives in moist to wet soils with light to medium texture, tolerating partial sun to full shade. This plant is known for its edible fruit, which can be enjoyed fresh or used in various culinary applications. Native to Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, and parts of Canada, the Copenhagen hawthorn is a hardy species that can withstand temperatures from zones 4-8. One distinctive feature of this plant is its ability to grow in diverse environments, making it a versatile addition to gardens and landscapes.

Quick answers

What is Copenhagen hawthorn?

The Copenhagen hawthorn (Crataegus intricata) is a deciduous shrub or small tree native to the eastern United States and Ontario, Canada. It thrives in moist to wet soils with light to medium texture, tolerating partial sun to full shade.

What is Copenhagen hawthorn used for?

Traditionally used for stress & anxiety. Each claim is evidence-rated — see Section II for full citations.

Best for
Top 1 evidence-ranked use of Copenhagen hawthorn
Jump to full evidence →
Clinicaluses · safety · chemistry · dosagemedicinal profile
II

Benefits & evidence

1 claim · traditional-use context
Traditional-use context
These notes are presented as ethnobotanical context. No cited clinical references are catalogued for this plant yet.
  • Traditional-use note: Copenhagen 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.

IV·b

Mixology suggestions

1 draft
Editorial drafts. These pairings are AI-suggested from traditional herbal lore. Always verify with a qualified herbalist before brewing.
Copenhagen hawthorn support blend
general
tea
AI returned a direct ingredient list; normalized into one draft blend for editorial review.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
V

Cultivation

Copenhagen hawthorn thrives in full to partial sun and prefers moist to wet soil that is light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It grows well as a shrub or small tree, reaching up to 3 meters in height. Hardy in zones 4-8, this plant is native to several eastern U.S. states including Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, and Delaware. Propagation can be done through seeds or cuttings. The fruit of Copenhagen hawthorn is edible and can be enjoyed fresh or used in various culinary applications.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade
Water
Moist, Wet
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
4-8
Habit
Shrub, Tree
Mature size
3.0 m tall
For first-time growers

How to grow Copenhagen hawthorn for the first time

8steps

Start with a simple planting of Copenhagen hawthorn to enjoy its beauty and fruit.

  1. 1

    What you'll need

    A young Copenhagen hawthorn sapling, garden gloves, a spade or trowel.

  2. 2

    Best time to plant

    Plant in early spring before new growth starts or in late fall after leaves have dropped.

  3. 3

    Soil and container prep

    Ensure the soil is well-draining with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5; amend as needed.

  4. 4

    Sowing or transplanting

    Dig a hole twice as wide but not deeper than the root ball, place the sapling in, backfill with soil.

  5. 5

    First two weeks

    Water regularly to keep the soil moist; mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds.

  6. 6

    Ongoing care

    Water deeply once a week during dry spells; prune lightly in late winter to maintain shape.

  7. 7

    Harvest or pruning

    Prune in late winter to remove dead, weak, or crossing branches; harvest fruit when they turn bright red.

  8. 8

    Common mistakes

    Overwatering, planting too deep, neglecting regular pruning and watering.

VI

Edible & utility

Edible parts:Fruit
Edible uses: The fruit of the Copenhagen hawthorn is edible and can be eaten fresh or used in various preparations. It is often picked when ripe and enjoyed raw for its tart flavor. The fruit can also be dried or made into jams and jellies to preserve it for later use.
Other uses:Fragrance
Contextrange · companions · related
VII

Distribution

26 native · 0 introduced
Distribution across1 continent· 26 native
Asia1 region
native (1)Georgia
Broader regions
native:Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, Masachusettes, Massachusetts, Michigan, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Ontario, Pennsylvania, Rhode I., South Carolina, Tennessee, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin
IX

Specimen gallery

1 image
Crataegus intricata (Copenhagen hawthorn) — botanical photograph
Copenhagen hawthorn (Crataegus intricata)
X

See also

8 related
XI

Explore further

Growing zone
XII

About this entry

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