Crataegus mollis Red haw (Rosaceae) Deciduous tree

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Crataegus mollis
Red haw
Deciduous tree
(1 Page of 5)

The Crataegus mollis plant species is found in Eastern and Central N. America - Ontario to Alabama, west to Oklahoma. It is a member of the Rosaceae family. Common gardeners may know the plant as Red haw. Some home gardeners know the variety as C. coccinea mollis.

Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

Latin Name:  Crataegus mollis
Common Name:  Red haw
Family:  Rosaceae
Author:  (Torr.&Gray.)Scheele.

Known Hazards:  None known

Mature Height:  9   Mature Width:  12

Habitat:  Open woods, usually in alluvial or fertile soils[43]. Frequently found in limestone soils[229].

Cultivation Notes: A very easily grown plant, it prefers a well-drained moisture retentive loamy soil but is not at all fussy[11, 200]. Once established, it succeeds in excessively moist soils and also tolerates drought[200]. It grows well on a chalk soil and also in heavy clay soils[200]. A position in full sun is best when plants are being grown for their fruit, they also succeed in semi-shade though fruit yields and quality will be lower in such a position[11, 200]. Most members of this genus succeed in exposed positions, they also tolerate atmospheric pollution[200]. A very hardy plant, tolerating temperatures down to at least -18°c[202]. Hybridizes freely with other members of this genus[200]. Seedling trees take from 5 - 8 years before they start bearing fruit, though grafted trees will often flower heavily in their third year[K]. The flowers have a foetid smell somewhat like decaying fish. This attracts midges which are the main means of fertilization. When freshly open, the flowers have more pleasant scent with balsamic undertones[245]. Seedlings should not be left in a seedbed for more than 2 years without being transplanted[11]. A very ornamental plant[11], the branches are almost thornless[229]. A rather variable species, it has been separated into several different species by some botanists[82]. This species is much confused with C. chrysocarpa[11] and with C. coccinea[50]. It is very closely related to C. submollis, differing in having 20 stamens to a flower (as compared to 10 in C. submollis)[202].

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Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

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