Scarlet Haw
Crataegus pedicellata
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. 9891 — Crataegus pedicellata
Crataegus pedicellataCrataegus pedicellataCrataegus pedicellataCrataegus pedicellataCrataegus pedicellataCrataegus pedicellataCrataegus pedicellataCrataegus pedicellataCrataegus pedicellataCrataegus pedicellataCrataegus pedicellataCrataegus pedicellataCrataegus pedicellataCrataegus pedicellata
IOverview
Overview
Scarlet Haw, scientifically known as Crataegus pedicellata, is a deciduous shrub or small tree native to the northeastern and north-central United States. It thrives in moist to wet soils and prefers partial sun to full sun exposure. This plant can be found growing naturally in states like Connecticut, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Hampshire, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. Known for its edible fruit, the Scarlet Haw is a valuable addition to gardens and landscapes. One distinctive feature of this plant is its bright scarlet berries, which ripen in late summer and early fall, adding vibrant color to the landscape.
Quick answers
What is Scarlet Haw?
Scarlet Haw, scientifically known as Crataegus pedicellata, is a deciduous shrub or small tree native to the northeastern and north-central United States. It thrives in moist to wet soils and prefers partial sun to full sun exposure.
What is Scarlet Haw used for?
Traditionally used for immune support, digestion. Each claim is evidence-rated — see Section II for full citations.
Best for
Top 2 evidence-ranked uses of Scarlet Haw
Clinicaluses · safety · chemistry · dosagemedicinal profile
IIBenefits & evidence
2 claims · 0 sources
Benefits & evidence
2 claims · 0 sources- Crataegus species, including Scarlet Haw, have been traditionally used in European herbal medicine to support immune function. A decoction of the fruit may help bolster the body's defenses during seasonal changes.
The mechanism is not fully characterised but involves flavonoids and proanthocyanidins which exhibit antioxidant properties that can enhance immune response.
- Scarlet Haw, like other Crataegus species, has been traditionally used in European herbal medicine to support digestive health. A tea made from the fruit may help alleviate occasional indigestion and bloating.
Crataegus contains flavonoids such as hyperoside and rutin which can improve gastric motility and reduce inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract.
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.
Scarlet Haw support blend
generaltea
AI returned a direct ingredient list; normalized into one draft blend for editorial review.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Scarlet Haw prefers full to partial sun and thrives in moist to wet soils of light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay) types. It grows best in hardiness zones 4-8 and can reach a height of 7 meters. For cultivation, ensure the soil is well-draining yet retains moisture, as the plant requires consistent watering. Propagate through seeds or by softwood cuttings. Given its native range across northeastern and midwestern United States, Scarlet Haw is adaptable to similar climates but may require protection in colder zones.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade
Water
Moist, Wet
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
4-8
Mature size
7.0 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Scarlet Haw for the first time
8steps
Start with planting Scarlet Haw in a sunny spot and follow these steps for success.
- 1
What you'll need
Scarlet Haw saplings, garden gloves, spade or shovel.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in early spring or late fall when the ground is workable and temperatures are mild.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Ensure soil is moist, well-draining, and rich with organic matter. For containers, use a mix of light (sandy), medium, and heavy (clay) soils.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Transplant saplings from the nursery into your garden or container. Dig a hole twice as wide but not deeper than the root ball.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep soil moist, especially during dry spells. Monitor for signs of stress and adjust watering accordingly.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide full sun or partial shade, depending on local climate. Water when the top inch of soil feels dry. Fertilize sparingly in early spring with compost.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune in late winter to maintain shape and remove dead branches. Harvest fruit in autumn after it turns bright red.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in too shady a spot, not providing enough organic matter, neglecting pruning, and using harsh chemicals.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Fruit
Edible uses: The fruit of the Scarlet Haw is edible and can be eaten raw or used in various preparations. It is often picked when ripe and consumed fresh, though it can also be dried for later use.
Other uses:Fragrance
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
19 native · 6 introduced
Distribution
19 native · 6 introducedDistribution across1 continent· 19 native· 6 introduced
Europe5 regions
introduced (5)FranceGermanyItalyPolandUnited Kingdom
Broader regions
native:Connecticut, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Hampshire, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Ontario, Pennsylvania, Rhode I., Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin
introduced:Czechoslovakia
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
- Last updated
- Citation
- How to cite this entry · Submit a correction
Back to the cataloguePlant id · 9891d847-7d34-4695-b55d-526810bd6237
Decision aid
Choosing between Scarlet Haw and something else?
Continue reading
❦❦❦❦
Endpaper · archive updates
Get archive updates
Occasional email when substantial new content lands — plant profiles, seasonal growing notes, folk-remedy additions. Free, no tracking, unsubscribe anytime.