Quebec Hawthorn
Crataegus submollis
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Pl. CBE3 — Crataegus submollis
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IOverview
Overview
Quebec Hawthorn (Crataegus submollis) is a deciduous shrub or small tree native to northeastern North America, found in habitats ranging from Maine and Massachusetts to Michigan and Ontario. Known for its edible fruit, the plant thrives in moist to wet soils that are light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It prefers full sun to partial shade and is hardy in zones 4-8, growing up to 7 meters tall. This hawthorn species is valued not only for its ornamental appeal but also for its fruit, which can be enjoyed fresh or used in various culinary applications. One distinctive feature of Quebec Hawthorn is its light green leaves that turn a vibrant red in autumn, adding color to the landscape during fall.
Quick answers
What is Quebec Hawthorn?
Quebec Hawthorn (Crataegus submollis) is a deciduous shrub or small tree native to northeastern North America, found in habitats ranging from Maine and Massachusetts to Michigan and Ontario. Known for its edible fruit, the plant thrives in moist to wet soils that are light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay).
What is Quebec Hawthorn used for?
Traditionally used for stress & anxiety, immune support. Each claim is evidence-rated — see Section II for full citations.
Best for
Top 2 evidence-ranked uses of Quebec Hawthorn
Clinicaluses · safety · chemistry · dosagemedicinal profile
IIBenefits & evidence
2 claims · 0 sources
Benefits & evidence
2 claims · 0 sources- Traditional-use note: Quebec 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.
- Hawthorn has been traditionally used in European herbal medicine to support the immune system, often prepared as a decoction. Its antioxidant properties may help protect against oxidative stress and inflammation.
Crataegus species contain proanthocyanidins which have potent antioxidant activity, potentially supporting immune function by reducing free radical damage.
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.
Quebec Hawthorn support blend
generaltea
AI returned a direct ingredient list; normalized into one draft blend for editorial review.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Quebec Hawthorn 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 and can reach a height of 7 meters. For propagation, use cuttings or seeds. The fruit is edible and native to regions including Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Brunswick, New Hampshire, New York, Nova Scotia, Ohio, Ontario, Pennsylvania, Québec, Vermont, and Wisconsin.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade
Water
Moist, Wet
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
4-8
Habit
Tree, Shrub
Mature size
7.0 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Quebec Hawthorn for the first time
8steps
Start with Quebec Hawthorn as a simple, low-maintenance tree for your garden.
- 1
What you'll need
Quebec Hawthorn saplings or seeds, gardening 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 spot 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 summer or early autumn.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Monitor for pests and diseases.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water deeply once a week during dry spells. Prune lightly in winter to maintain shape. Fertilize sparingly, if needed.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune in late winter before new growth starts. Harvest fruit when they turn bright red in autumn.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in too sunny a spot, neglecting to prune, using chemical fertilizers and pesticides.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Fruit
Edible uses: The Quebec Hawthorn's fruit is edible and can be eaten raw or used in various preparations such as jams and jellies. SKIP
Other uses:HedgerowFragrance
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
14 native · 6 introduced
Distribution
14 native · 6 introducedDistribution across1 continent· 14 native· 6 introduced
Europe3 regions
introduced (3)ItalyRussiaUnited Kingdom
Broader regions
native:Massachusetts, Ontario, Pennsylvania, Québec, Vermont, Wisconsin, Masachusettes, Maine, Michigan, New Brunswick, New Hampshire, New York, Nova Scotia, Ohio
introduced:Minnesota
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
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