Warning: Despite the care taken in writing this sheet, it is essential to cross-reference sources before using or consuming any plant. When in doubt, consult a qualified professional
Permaculture uses
Hawthorns, including Arnold's Hawthorn, offer edible fruits, though typically small and seedy. The berries can be used in jams, jellies, sauces, and wines. They provide excellent wildlife habitat, particularly nesting sites and winter food for birds. The thorny branches make them useful for hedgerows and living fences. Cultivars selected for larger or more palatable fruit may exist but are not widely known for this species.
Permapeople description
A deciduous tree or shrub with a rounded crown, known for its showy white flowers in spring and red fruits in fall. It prefers well-drained soil and full sun.
Botanical description
Crataegus arnoldiana, or Arnold's Hawthorn, is a deciduous shrub or small tree typically reaching heights of 20-30 feet. It has a rounded crown and a single or multi-stemmed trunk. The bark is gray-brown and smooth when young, becoming scaly and furrowed with age. Branches bear sharp thorns, usually 2-3 inches long. Leaves are ovate to elliptic, with serrated margins, turning reddish-purple in the fall. White flowers, arranged in corymbs, bloom in the spring. The fruit is a bright red, globose pome, approximately 1/2 inch in diameter, persisting into the winter. It is native to northeastern North America.
Companion planting
Hawthorns generally have few known negative companion plants. They benefit from association with plants that attract pollinators, such as clover and borage. They can be used as a nurse crop for more sensitive understory plants, providing shade and protection. Avoid planting near plants susceptible to similar diseases, such as fire blight.
Propagation methods
Arnold's Hawthorn can be propagated by seed, although stratification is required to break dormancy. Cuttings, both softwood and hardwood, can also be used but rooting success can be variable. Grafting onto compatible hawthorn rootstock is another option, particularly for propagating desirable cultivars. Layering is a natural propagation method that can be encouraged.
History and traditions
Hawthorns in general have a long history of use in traditional medicine across various cultures. The fruits, flowers, and leaves have been used to treat heart ailments, high blood pressure, and digestive issues. In European folklore, hawthorns are often associated with fairies and are considered protective plants. Specific historical uses for Crataegus arnoldiana are not as well documented as for other hawthorn species, but it likely shared similar applications within its native range among indigenous peoples.
Usage calendar
Flowering occurs in May or June. Fruits ripen in September and October and persist into the winter months. Seed collection is best done in the fall after the fruits have ripened. Planting is best done in early spring or late fall. Pruning, if necessary, should be done in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.