Crataegus rotundifolia
Crataegus rotundifolia
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. DA4F — Crataegus rotundifolia
Crataegus rotundifoliaCrataegus rotundifoliaCrataegus rotundifoliaCrataegus rotundifoliaCrataegus rotundifoliaCrataegus rotundifoliaCrataegus rotundifoliaCrataegus rotundifoliaCrataegus rotundifoliaCrataegus rotundifoliaCrataegus rotundifoliaCrataegus rotundifoliaCrataegus rotundifoliaCrataegus rotundifolia
IOverview
Overview
Crataegus rotundifolia, commonly known as round-leaved hawthorn, is a deciduous tree or shrub native to northeastern and north-central North America. It thrives in moist to wet soils and prefers partial sun to full sun exposure. This plant can grow up to 6 meters tall and is hardy in zones 4-8. Known for its edible fruit, which are small and typically used for jams and jellies, C. rotundifolia also boasts distinctive white flowers that appear in spring, followed by bright red berries in autumn. Its adaptability to various soil types makes it a valuable addition to gardens and natural landscapes.
Quick answers
What is Crataegus rotundifolia?
Crataegus rotundifolia, commonly known as round-leaved hawthorn, is a deciduous tree or shrub native to northeastern and north-central North America. It thrives in moist to wet soils and prefers partial sun to full sun exposure. This plant can grow up to 6 meters tall and is hardy in zones 4-8.
What is Crataegus rotundifolia 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 rotundifolia
Clinicaluses · safety · chemistry · dosagemedicinal profile
IIBenefits & evidence
2 claims · 0 sources
Benefits & evidence
2 claims · 0 sources- Traditional-use note: Crataegus rotundifolia 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 species have a long history in traditional European medicine for aiding digestion, particularly after meals. A tea made from the fruit or leaves is commonly used.
The mechanism involves flavonoids and triterpenes which may stimulate digestive secretions and improve gut motility. However, 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 rotundifolia support blend
generaltea
AI returned a direct ingredient list; normalized into one draft blend for editorial review.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Crataegus rotundifolia thrives in full to partial sun and prefers moist to wet soil that is light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It grows best in hardiness zones 4-8, making it suitable for temperate regions like those found in its native range. This tree or shrub can reach a height of 6 meters and is adaptable to various conditions, though it prefers well-drained soil. For propagation, consider using seeds or cuttings. The fruit is edible and can be harvested for culinary use.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade
Water
Moist, Wet
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
4-8
Habit
Tree, Shrub
Mature size
6.0 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Crataegus rotundifolia for the first time
8steps
Start with planting Crataegus rotundifolia in a sunny spot and follow these simple steps for success.
- 1
What you'll need
A young Crataegus rotundifolia plant, garden gloves, and a trowel.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in early spring or late fall when the ground is not frozen.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Ensure soil is moist, well-draining, and rich in organic matter. For containers, use a mix of light (sandy), medium, and heavy (clay) soils.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Transplant young plants 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 any signs of stress or pests.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide full sun to partial shade and water when the top inch of soil feels dry. Prune in late winter to maintain shape.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune in late winter to remove dead or crossing branches, promoting healthy growth. Fruit can be harvested in fall but is not commonly picked.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in too much shade, and neglecting regular pruning are common pitfalls.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Fruit
Edible uses: The fruit of Crataegus rotundifolia is edible and can be eaten raw or used in various preparations. Typically, the fruits are consumed fresh but can also be dried for later use. They may also be made into jams, jellies, or other preserves to enjoy their natural flavor and sweetness.
Other uses:Fragrance
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
30 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
30 native · 0 introducedDistribution across0 continents· 30 native
Broader regions
native:Prince Edward I., British Columbia, Colorado, Connecticut, Illinois, Massachusetts, Alberta, Iowa, Maine, Manitoba, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, New Brunswick, New Hampshire, New Mexico, New York, Newfoundland, North Dakota, Nova Scotia, Ohio, Ontario, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Québec, Rhode I., Saskatchewan, South Dakota
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 · da4feb9b-6977-4b60-ab71-5082d62d3bc9
Decision aid
Choosing between Crataegus rotundifolia 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.