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

Hillside Hawthorn requires abundant, bright and direct light. Placing it less than one foot from a window is the best way to make sure the plant receives enough light to survive and thrive. Depending on your region, however, the current weather can affect the placement of the plant in your home. For example, in some areas the sun may be too direct and intense, so it's best to place it farther away from the window. You may also need to adjust your placement according to the season as the sunlight can change intensity over the course of the year. If you live in a region with significant temperature fluctuations, such as a desert, you may need to place the plant a bit farther away from the window to avoid extreme heat or cold. With some care and attention, your Hillside Hawthorn will be sure to bring you many years of beauty and enjoyment.

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