Discover the wonders of Crataegus pinnatifida, or Chinese Hawthorn, a species native to Eastern Asia. Unlike most Hawthorns, this tree offers an inviting canopy display with its open, upright stature and short thorns. Its vivid red berries and unique flowers, which undergo a surprising transformation from pleasant to fish-like smell, attract birds and pollinators.
Easily grown, the Chinese Hawthorn prefers well-drained, moist loamy soil, sunlight, and can withstand various climates. The tree is capable of thriving in drought and heavy clay soils once established, while its fruit production is largely determined by the amount of sun received.
If grown from a seed, these trees take 5-8 years before they fruit whereas grafted trees produce in their third year. The fruits are tart, slight bitter when raw, and ripen late, transforming into a pleasant flavor when cooked or preserved. In China, it’s used to create a balanced sweet and sour sauce.
Exquisite in its form, the Chinese Hawthorn grows up to 25 feet with symmetrical balance and dense canopy. Its leaves transition from lush green to striking red and burgundy in the fall. And, despite its sharp thorns, the tree has considerable ornamental, culinary, and medicinal viability.
Additionally, it provides excellent eco-benefits, serving as a food source for birds, butterflies, bees, while its thick growth and thorns act as potential deterrents to deer and rabbits. No significant toxicity issues have been identified, and its fruits are a source of nutrition and medicinal properties. As "Shan Zha," they are used in Chinese medicine to improve digestion and blood circulation.