Crataegus parvifolia
Crataegus parvifolia
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Pl. BFF3 — Crataegus parvifolia
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IOverview
Overview
Crataegus parvifolia, commonly known as the small hawthorn, is a shrub or tree native to Europe and parts of Asia, including Albania, Algeria, Austria, and Belarus. This plant is valued for its edible fruit and can be found in various habitats such as moist and wet soils with light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay) textures. The fruit, which grows on this hawthorn species, makes it useful for culinary purposes. While not extensively cultivated, C. parvifolia is adaptable to a range of soil pH levels between 6 and 7.2, making it somewhat versatile in garden settings. Its light energy requirement of 7/10 suggests it thrives best in environments with moderate sunlight.
Quick answers
What is Crataegus parvifolia?
Crataegus parvifolia, commonly known as the small hawthorn, is a shrub or tree native to Europe and parts of Asia, including Albania, Algeria, Austria, and Belarus.
What is Crataegus parvifolia 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 Crataegus parvifolia
Clinicaluses · safety · chemistry · dosagemedicinal profile
IIBenefits & evidence
2 claims · 0 sources
Benefits & evidence
2 claims · 0 sources- Traditional-use note: Crataegus parvifolia 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 parvifolia is traditionally used in European herbal medicine to support digestive health, particularly for symptoms of indigestion and bloating. A decoction made from the fruit or leaves may help improve digestion.
The mechanism involves flavonoids such as vitexin and hyperoside which are thought to have gastroprotective effects by increasing gastric mucus secretion and reducing acid production, though specific pathways are 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.
Crataegus parvifolia support blend
generaltea
AI returned a direct ingredient list; normalized into one draft blend for editorial review.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Crataegus parvifolia thrives in moist to wet soils that are light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It prefers a pH range of 6 to 7.2 and is hardy in temperate regions. This shrub or tree grows well in full sun to partial shade. For propagation, use seeds or cuttings. The fruit is edible but not commonly used for consumption.
Light
7/10
Water
Moist, Wet
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Habit
Shrub, Tree
Soil pH
6–7.2
For first-time growers
How to grow Crataegus parvifolia for the first time
7steps
Start with planting Crataegus parvifolia in a well-prepared soil and follow basic care instructions for success.
- 1
What you'll need
A young Crataegus parvifolia plant, garden gloves, a spade or trowel, and some compost.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in early spring or late autumn when the soil is moist but not waterlogged.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Ensure the soil is well-draining with a pH between 6 and 7.2, and loosen it to a depth of about 30 cm (12 inches).
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Transplant young plants into their permanent position, ensuring they are at the same depth as in their pot.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep the soil moist but not soggy. Monitor for any signs of stress or pests.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide regular watering during dry spells, especially when fruit is forming. Prune in late winter to maintain shape.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune the plant in late winter to encourage new growth and remove any dead or diseased branches.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Fruit
Edible uses: The fruit of Crataegus parvifolia is edible and can be eaten raw or cooked. Typically, the fruit is harvested when ripe and used in various preparations such as jams, jellies, and pies. It can also be dried for later use.
Other uses:Fragrance
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
30 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
30 native · 0 introducedDistribution across3 continents· 30 native
Europe19 regions
native (19)AustriaBelarusBelgiumBulgariaCyprusDenmarkFinlandFranceGermanyGreeceHungaryIrelandItalyNetherlandsNorwayRussiaSpainUkraineUnited Kingdom
Asia1 region
native (1)Iraq
Africa2 regions
native (2)LibyaMorocco
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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