Big-Fruit Hawthorn (Crataegus macrosperma)

Family: Rosaceae | Edibility: Edible (3/5)

Crataegus macrosperma is a deciduous Tree growing to 8 m (26ft) by 8 m (26ft). It is not frost tender. It is in flower in May, and the seeds ripen in September. 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.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Fruit, Berries

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Fall, Late Summer

Flavor & Culinary Uses

flavour, it makes a very acceptable dessert fruit. — Fruit - raw or cooked.; Fairly large with a reasonable flavour, it makes a very acceptable dessert fruit.; The fruit varies quite considerably in size and quality, some forms having a thin yellow flesh that is juicy and acid whilst others have a much thicker flesh that is rather mealy but with a good flavour.; The fruit can be used in making pies, preserves, etc, and can also be dried for later use.

Habitat & North American Range

Found in a variety of habitats, including thickets and open woods, woods and river banks in dry clay soils and rich moist soils along the margins of oak woodlands. (Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8)