Crataegus calpodendron aka Pear Hawthorn

Crataegus calpodendron is a deciduous tree in the rose family. Its names include American blackthorn, pear thorn, and sugar hawthorn. It comes from southeastern Canada and the central and eastern United States. Its Canadian range includes southeastern Ontario. In the United States, it reaches eastern Texas and several southeastern states. It grows in open woods and thickets, often near small, rocky streams. It is not native to Britain or Ireland.

The tree reaches about 20 feet [6 metres] tall. It sheds its leaves for winter and suits a woodland garden. Sunny woodland edges and sites with light shade offer planting options. Its flowers open in June, and its seeds ripen in October. Each flower has both male and female organs. Midges pollinate the blooms. Trees raised from seed may take five to eight years to fruit. Grafted trees may flower well in their third year.

The fruit measures about 0.4 inches [10 millimetres] across. Its flesh is sweet and juicy, and people eat it raw or cooked. It can go into pies and preserves, or be dried for storage. Each fruit holds up to five large seeds. These can cling together and feel like one stone when eaten. Plants For A Future lists no known hazards for this species. That report does not establish safety for every use or consumer.

This tree is easy to grow in a range of soils. It prefers loam that drains well yet holds moisture. Sandy ground and heavy clay can also suit it. It accepts mildly acid soil through to strongly alkaline conditions, including chalk. Established trees cope with both drought and very moist ground. Full sun gives the best fruit crop and quality. Light shade is also suitable, but fruiting suffers there. It tolerates strong wind, though not coastal exposure. Plants For A Future describes it as frost hardy.

Seed can be sown fresh in autumn in a cold frame. Some sprouts may appear next spring; others take another year. Stored seed can need warm and cold treatment before sprouting. Its wood is dense, strong, and fine in grain. People use it for tool handles, mallets, and small wooden objects. Recorded folk uses include preparations from root bark and twigs. These records describe past use, not proof of medical benefit.