Crataegus nigra aka Hungarian Thorn

Crataegus nigra is a small deciduous tree in the rose family. Its common names include Hungarian thorn and black-fruited thorn. Kew places its native range from Hungary to Romania. Plants For A Future lists it across parts of central and southeastern Europe. It grows in woods and suits a sunny woodland edge. It is not native to Britain or Ireland.

The tree reaches about 20 feet [6 metres] in height. It sheds its leaves for winter and flowers in May. Each flower has both male and female organs. Midges pollinate the flowers. The fruit measures about 0.4 inches [1 centimetre] across. Its soft flesh surrounds up to five fairly large seeds. These seeds can cling together, forming what feels like one stone. Trees grown from seed begin bearing fruit after five to eight years.

This species grows in sun or partial shade. Full sun gives better fruit crops and fruit quality. It prefers loam that holds moisture but drains well. It also grows in sandy soil, chalk, and heavy clay. Mildly acid, neutral, and mildly alkaline soils suit it. Once established, it copes with both drought and very moist ground. Plants For A Future lists USDA hardiness zones 5–9. It also reports tolerance of strong winds and air pollution. Coastal exposure does not suit it.

The fruit can be eaten raw or cooked. It can go into pies and preserves, or be dried. Plants For A Future gives its food value two out of five. The same source reports no known hazards for this species. That statement does not establish the safety of every plant part. Its hard, heavy wood has a close grain and good toughness. People use it for tool handles, mallets, and other small objects.

Plants For A Future describes this as an easy tree to grow. Raising it from seed can take much longer than expected. Fresh seed sown in autumn may sprout the next spring. Much of it may wait until the following year. Stored seed needs warm and cold treatment and may still germinate slowly. The source does not flag this tree as weedy. Its medicinal discussion draws on other hawthorns, not evidence specific to this species.