Fire hawthorn (Crataegus macracantha)
Care, watering, light and tips for Fire hawthorn on Floravia.
Quick facts
- Family: Rosaceae
- Difficulty: Moderate care
- Watering: every 7 days
- Light: Full sun
- Temperature: 0–30 °C
- Toxicity: Toxic to pets
About Fire hawthorn
Crataegus macracantha, commonly known as the Long-spined Hawthorn, is a deciduous shrub or small tree belonging to the Rosaceae family, valued for its hardiness and attractive red berries in autumn. It displays a rounded, dense form with branches armed with prominent thorns, and is adorned with white flowers in spring. It's ideal for creating defensive hedges, as a standalone specimen in wild gardens, or for attracting wildlife, offering significant ornamental and ecological value.
Native range
North America (Eastern United States and Canada)
Care tips
It prefers full sun exposure for optimal flowering and fruiting, though it tolerates some partial shade. This plant is highly adaptable regarding soil, thriving in well-drained substrates, from sandy to clayey, and is drought-tolerant once established, requiring moderate watering only during prolonged dry periods. Pruning for shaping or maintenance should be done in winter, removing dead or crossing branches. Avoid over-fertilization, as it can promote weak growth and susceptibility to diseases.
How to save a dying Fire hawthorn
- Warning signs
- Yellowing or spotted leaves, premature leaf drop, lack of flowering or fruiting, dry or brittle branches.
- First aid
- Check soil drainage and moisture. Prune dead or diseased branches. Ensure good air circulation and direct sunlight.
- What kills it
- Overwatering (causes root rot), lack of direct sunlight, poor or compacted soil, untreated pests and diseases.
- Can it be saved?
- Yes, if roots are not completely rotted and action is taken promptly. Requires patience and care adjustments.