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Trees

Crataegus tanacetifolia

Syrian haw

An upright, rounded, usually thornless tree with downy, grey-green deeply lobed leaves. Rounded sprays of fragrant white flowers in mid-summer are followed by aromatic, orange-yellow fruit up to 2.5cm across

Other common names

tansy-leaved thorn

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Plant nurseries
2 suppliers

Ultimate height

4–8 metres

Time to ultimate height

20–50 years

Ultimate spread

4–8 metres

Chalk

Clay

Loam

Sand

Moisture

Moist but well–drained, Well–drained

pH

Acid, Alkaline, Neutral

	Stem	Flower	Foliage	Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Full sun
Partial shade

Aspect

South–facing or West–facing or North–facing or East–facing

Exposure

Exposed or Sheltered

Hardiness
Hardiness ratings
All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets
H1a: under glass all year (>15C)
H1b: can be grown outside in the summer (10 - 15)
H1c: can be grown outside in the summer (5 - 10)
H2: tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen (1 to 5)
H3: hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK (-5 to 1)
H4: hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5)
H5: hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10)
H6: hardy in all of UK and northern Europe (-20 to -15)
H7: hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20)

Botanical details

Family: Rosaceae
Native to GB / Ireland: No
Foliage: Deciduous
Habit: Bushy
Potentially harmful: Seeds contain toxins so these should be removed if you are considering eating the fruit, usually grown as an ornamental shrub Pets: Fruit are ornamental - not to be eaten - see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants for further information and useful contact numbers
Genus: Crataegus are deciduous trees and shrubs, usually with spiny branches, lobed or toothed leaves, and clusters of creamy-white flowers followed by red or black fruits. Some have fine autumn colour
Name status: Correct
Plant range: SW Asia

How to grow

Cultivation

Will grow in most soils and situations. Makes a good specimen tree

Propagation

Propagate by seed

Suggested planting locations and garden types

Wildlife gardens
Cottage and informal garden
Low Maintenance

Pruning

Pruning group 1

Pests

May be susceptible to caterpillars, gall mites and aphids

Diseases

Generally disease-free but may be susceptible to a leaf spot, fireblight, powdery mildews and honey fungus

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