Holmes' hawthorn (Crataegus elongata)

Family: Rosaceae | Edibility: Choice Edible (4/5)

Crataegus elongata is a deciduous Shrub growing to 4 m (13ft) by 3 m (9ft). It is not frost tender. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Midges. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and can grow in heavy clay soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Fruit, Berries

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Fall, Late Summer

Flavor & Culinary Uses

flavour and makes pleasant eating. — Fruit - raw or cooked.; A very acceptable dessert fruit, it is juicy with a hint of apple in the flavour and makes pleasant eating.; The fruit can also be used in making pies, preserves etc, and can be dried for later use.; There are up to five fairly large seeds in the centre of the fruit, these often stick together and so the effect is of eating a cherry-like fruit with a single seed.

Habitat & North American Range

Not known. (Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8)