Chinese Haw

A genus of about 280 deciduous, often thorny, shrubs and trees, which occur throughout northern temperate regions. Crataegus laevigata and C. monogyna are very similar, the latter differing mainly in having more deeply lobed leaves, and fruits with one stony seed, rather than two. The former tends to grow farther north in Europe, while C. monogyna occurs throughout Europe as far as Afghanistan. Hybrids between C. laevigata and C. monogyna, known as C. x media are common in the wild. Many species of Crataegus are very variable, which in the past has led to the naming of over 1,000 different species, some of which are probably of hybrid origin. Taxonomic research has reduced this number considerably, but the numerous forms and hybrids continue to pose problems of identification. The common names of C. laevigata refer to different aspects of the plant; "may" from its time of flowering; "quickset" from its use as a "quick" or "living" hedge; and "bread-and-cheese" from the tasty young leaves, which were traditionally added to sandwiches in country areas. Many practices are associated with the hawthorn, notably the custom of going "a-Maying", and choosing a May queen, which predates Christian times. In pagan times the king and queen of the May were killed at the end of the growing season — hence the ambiguity today of hawthorn being both a symbol of hope and an omen of death. As a medicinal herb, hawthorn was traditionally used to treat kidney and bladder problems. Its use as a heart remedy began during the end of the 19th century. Crataegus laevigata, C. monogyna, and their hybrids are now used interchangeably for medicinal purposes. Unlike most medicinal plants that act on the heart, hawthorn is relatively non-toxic, although its use for such serious conditions should be confined to qualified practitioners. Crataegus pinnatifida was first mentioned as an herb in the Supplement to the Extension of the Materia Medica by Zhu Zhen Heng (c.1347). Fruits of another Chinese species, C, cuneata, have a sour but pleasant taste and are used mainly to control diarrhea.

Deciduous small tree with short thorns and broadly triangular-ovate, deeply lobed leaves, 5-10cm (2-4in) long. White flowers 1.5cm (½in) across with pink anthers are borne in spring followed by red fruits 1.5cm (½in) in diameter.

Common Name:	Chinese Haw
Botanical Name:	Crataegus pinnatifida
Genus:	Crataegus
Family:	Rosaceae
Native Location:	N China
Cultivation:	Moist soil, including alkaline, in sun or partial shade. Crataegus laevigata flowers and fruits better in open, sunny positions. Trim to shape at any time from late summer to early spring, or in winter for shrubs in which autumn color is a feature. Leaves may be attacked by caterpillars or affected by leafspot, powdery mildew, or rust. Honey fungus may cause rapid death. Crataegus laevigata, C. monogyna and their hybrids are subject to plant controls in parts of Australia.
Propagation:	By seed separated from ripe berries in autumn and sown in a seedbed or cold frame. Germination may take 18 months. Cultivars do not come true from seed, and are propagated by grafting in winter or budding in midsummer on to stocks of C. monogyna.
Harvest:	Flowering sprigs (with leaves) are collected in spring and dried for infusions, decoctions, tinctures, and tablets. Fruits are collected when ripe and used raw or cooked, or dried whole for use in tinctures.
Height:	6m (20ft)
Width:	6m (20ft)
Hardiness:	Z4-7
Parts Used:	Fruits (Shan zha)
Properties:	A digestive, circulatory, and uterine stimulant that also has hypotensive and anti-bacterial properties.
Medicinal Uses:	Internally for "food stagnation" (a term used in Chinese medicine to cover indigestion, bloating, irritable bowel syndrome, or gall bladder weakness), hypertension associated with coronary artery disease, failure to menstruate, and postpartum pain. Fruits are used raw for circulatory disorders and baked for digestive problems.
Bibliography:	Encyclopedia of Herbs by Deni BrownCopyright © 1995, 2001 Dorling Kindersley Limited. pg. 182