Red Haw
Crataegus mollis
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. 0E26 — Crataegus mollis
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IOverview
Overview
Red Haw, scientifically known as Crataegus mollis, is a deciduous shrub or small tree native to the eastern and central United States, ranging from Alabama to Wisconsin. This plant thrives in moist to wet soils and prefers light to partial shade. Known for its edible fruit, Red Haw has been utilized by local communities for centuries. One distinctive feature of this species is its ability to grow up to 9 meters in height, making it a notable addition to landscapes. Its adaptability to various soil types—ranging from sandy to clay—and hardiness zones 4-8 further contribute to its widespread presence in the native range.
Quick answers
What is Red Haw?
Red Haw, scientifically known as Crataegus mollis, is a deciduous shrub or small tree native to the eastern and central United States, ranging from Alabama to Wisconsin. This plant thrives in moist to wet soils and prefers light to partial shade.
What is Red Haw 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 Red Haw
Clinicaluses · safety · chemistry · dosagemedicinal profile
IIBenefits & evidence
2 claims · 0 sources
Benefits & evidence
2 claims · 0 sources- Crataegus species, including Red Haw, have been traditionally used in European herbal medicine to support immune function. A decoction of the leaves and flowers may help bolster the body's defenses during cold and flu season.
The mechanism is not fully characterised but involves flavonoids and oligomeric procyanidins which exhibit antioxidant properties that can enhance immune response.
- Traditional-use note: Red Haw 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.
Red Haw support blend
generaltea
AI returned a direct ingredient list; normalized into one draft blend for editorial review.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Red Haw thrives in full to partial sun and prefers moist to wet soils that are light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It is hardy in zones 4-8 and can grow up to 9 meters tall. For best results, ensure the soil remains consistently moist but well-draining. Propagation can be done through seeds or softwood cuttings.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade
Water
Moist, Wet
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
4-8
Mature size
9.0 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Red Haw for the first time
8steps
Start with planting Red Haw in a sunny spot and follow these steps for success.
- 1
What you'll need
Red Haw saplings or seeds, garden gloves, spade, watering can.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring after the last frost or fall before the first freeze.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Choose a location with moist, well-draining soil; full sun to partial shade. Ensure containers are at least 1 meter wide and deep.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Transplant saplings in spring or fall. For seeds, sow them in late winter or early spring after stratification.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Monitor for pests and diseases.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide regular watering during dry spells; mulch around the base to retain moisture. Prune in late winter or early spring to maintain shape.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune annually to encourage healthy growth and fruit production. Harvest fruits when they turn bright red, usually in fall.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in too sunny a spot, neglecting winter protection, not providing enough space for root growth.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Fruit
Edible uses: Tea
Other uses:HedgerowEspalierFragrance
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
21 native · 1 introduced
Distribution
21 native · 1 introducedDistribution across0 continents· 21 native· 1 introduced
Broader regions
native:Alabama, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Ontario, South Dakota, Tennessee, Arkansas, 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
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- Citation
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