Herb. No. 023 · Rosaceae
Hedgerow tree of Europe; related species across the north temperate zone.
Native · Europe
Native Also grown
OpenCautionplant
Hawthorn
Crataegus monogyna
Hedgerow thorn whose leaf, flower, and berry are Europe's classic heart trophorestorative.
Crataegus species (C. monogyna, C. laevigata, C. pinnatifida) are used interchangeably in many traditions. Oligomeric procyanidins and flavonoids are studied for symptoms of early heart failure as an adjunct. This is slow medicine — months, not minutes — and it does not replace a cardiologist.
Flavor
Berry is mealy, tart-sweet, like a dry haw and apple skin.
Parts used
Flowering tops · Berry
In favor
- Gentle, food-like berry
- Excellent wildlife hedge
- Long traditional record
Against
- Must not delay real cardiac evaluation
- Can potentiate heart and blood-pressure drugs