Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna) is a thorny tree that grows across much of Europe, Asia, and some parts of North America. It is notable for its small red berries and green leaves, which can be used for food, medicine, and landscaping.
The hawthorn is the common name given to a group of thorny flowering shrubs in the genus Crataegus, native to North America, Europe, Asia, and northwestern Africa. The most common species are C. monogyna (the single-seeded hawthorn) and C. pinnatifida (the double-seeded hawthorn).
Hawthorns are generally small trees or large shrubs, though a few species are tall shrubs. They bear single white flowers followed by fruit that resemble small apples called haws. The fruits of all species are edible, with some being palatable only when cooked; for example, the fleshy insides of some species may be too sour to eat raw but can be used in jams or jellies after boiling them briefly in water.
Hawthorns are traditionally used in cuisine and medicine.
Hawthorn is a traditional food plant in Europe and Asia. The leaves, twigs, and unripe fruits are high in vitamin C (100 g of leaves contain 0.81 mg of vitamin C). The bark contains 1% to 5% tannin by dry weight.
Hawthorn is used as a food plant by the larvae of some Lepidoptera species, including brown-tail, buff ermine, setaceous Hebrew character, and turnip moths.
Hawthorn is notable for its small red berries, which are edible but have little flavor.
You can use the berries to make jelly, preserves, or wine. Hawthorn berries are also used in pies and jams.
The leaves can be made into a tea that is high in antioxidants and may be used to treat high blood pressure.
Hawthorn leaves can be made into a tea high in antioxidants and may be used to treat high blood pressure. First, gather about a dozen hawthorn leaves from your backyard or the local park to make the tea. Rinse them carefully to remove any dirt and insects. You will also need one tablespoon of dried hawthorn berries and 1/4 cup water.
To prepare the tea:
1. Place all these ingredients in a small saucepan with just enough cold water to cover them (about 4 cups).
2. Bring this mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly until most of the liquid has evaporated (about 10 minutes).
3. Strain out all plant materials through cheesecloth or an unbleached coffee filter, leaving you with only liquid extractions from the hawthorn leaves and berries.
It has also been used to treat chest pain, heart failure, and irregular heartbeat.
Hawthorn may also be used to treat heart failure. It can help improve blood and oxygen flow to your heart muscle, which can help relieve chest pain and make it easier for you to exercise or do other activities.
Hawthorn is also sometimes used for an irregular heartbeat. It might reduce or prevent palpitations (a feeling as if your heart is beating too fast or skipping beats), dizziness, shortness of breath, and fatigue caused by an abnormal heartbeat (arrhythmia).
Evidence for hawthorn's use in treating high blood pressure is conflicting. Some research shows that this herb may lower blood pressure levels in people with high blood pressure (hypertension). Still, other studies found no effect on hypertension when hawthorn was taken alone or combined with other herbs that were thought to have similar effects on the body.
Hawthorn can be used for food, medicine, and landscaping purposes.
Hawthorn is the common name given to a group of thorny flowering shrubs in the genus Crataegus, native to North America, Europe, Asia, and northwestern Africa. These include the most common species in all the regions where it grows: C. monogyna (common hawthorn), C. oxycantha (sharp-flowered or wych-elm), C. laevigata (smooth-leaved or whitebeam), and C. crus-Galli (cowberry). The leaves are spirally arranged on each branch and are alternately long and short with long petioles which can be 12 cm long for hawthorns that grow wild.[4]
Hawthorn is an easy-to-grow shrub with many uses, from food and medicine to landscaping and decorating. Our team hopes this article has helped you understand what it means to say "Hawthorn." We encourage you to contact us if you have any questions about the process of growing or using these beautiful plants!
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