Crataegus punctata aka Hillside Hawthorn

Taxonomy

Crataegus punctata, commonly known as dotted hawthorn or white haw, is a species of hawthorn native to most of the eastern United States and eastern Canada. While some sources claim it is the state flower of Missouri, the actual legislation does not identify an exact species and the Missouri Department of Conservation states the Crataegus mollis was specifically designated as the state flower. This hardy Broadleaf deciduous tree can grow up to 35 ft and usually has a single thorny trunk. Its grayish green leaves are 2-6 cm long and obovate, gradually tapering to base and with margin toothed to slightly lobed. Tiny white flowers, about 5-15 mm wide, 3-5 styles and 20 stamen, bloom in 5-20 clusters during the spring. Its fruits, also known as haws, are subglobose or pear-shaped, about 0.5-2.5 cm long, dull red to yellow and contain 3-4 nutlets. Dotted Hawthorn needs sun to shade to thrive and prefers soil that is well-draining. Interestingly, this rare houseplant isn't particularly challenging to grow, though it needs regular watering and should be less than one foot from a window.

Common names

Hillside Hawthorn, Dotted Hawthorn, Dottedthorn

How to care for Hillside Hawthorn

Difficulty

Hillside Hawthorn requires a bit more attention and knowledge to thrive, making it a suitable plant for those with some gardening experience.

Water

Hillside Hawthorn should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Hillside Hawthorn loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Lighting

To ensure optimal growth, the Hillside Hawthorn prefers bright diffused light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.

Toxicity

Ploi's records do not contain confirmed information on the toxicity of this particular plant. In the event of accidental ingestion of plant material with questionable toxicity by you, a family member, or a pet, it is always a good idea to consult a healthcare professional.

Fertilizer

The growth of Hillside Hawthorn is not rapid and it doesn't necessitate any extra fertilization. By replacing its potting soil once a year, it should receive ample nutrition. It is important to note that plants obtain their energy from the sun's rays, not from fertilizers.

Region of origin

Hillside Hawthorn’s native range is Eastern N. America - Quebec to Georgia, west to Minnesota and Oklahoma.

More info:
Wikipedia