Crataegus laevigata
English hawthorn
Crataegus laevigata, commonly known as the hawthorn, is a versatile medicinal shrub prized for its therapeutic properties. Renowned primarily for supporting cardiovascular health, its leaves and berries are used to regulate blood pressure and strengthen heart function. This resilient plant remains a cornerstone in traditional herbal medicine worldwide.
- Scientific name: Crataegus laevigata
- Family: Rosaceae
- Native range: Europe
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, specifically classified within the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. It is further organized under the order Rosales and the family Rosaceae. Finally, its taxonomic placement concludes within the genus Crataegus, where the species Crataegus laevigata is situated.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Rosales | WCVP |
| Family | Rosaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Crataegus | WCVP |
Common Names
This plant, known scientifically as Crataegus laevigata, is recognized by various common names across different languages and regions. In Iceland, it is called Hvítþyrnir, while in Esperanto, it is referred to as Dustilusa kratago. In Poland, the species is known as Głóg dwuszyjkowy, and in Slovakia, it is called hlloh obyčajný. Furthermore, in Russia, it is commonly identified as Боярышник обыкновенный.| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|---|---|
| is | Hvítþyrnir | Wikidata |
| eo | Dustilusa kratago | Wikidata |
| pl | Głóg dwuszyjkowy | Wikidata |
| sk | hloh obyčajný | Wikidata |
| ru | Боярышник обыкновенный | Wikidata |
| hy | ալոճենի | Wikidata |
| sr-el | Crveni glog | Wikidata |
| sr-ec | Црвени глог | Wikidata |
| hu | cseregalagonya | Wikidata |
| myv | Бояронь умарина | Wikidata |
Distribution
This plant, Crataegus laevigata, exhibits a specific range within the northern regions of the European continent. Its distribution is notably documented across several countries in Northern Europe. Specifically, it can be found growing in Denmark and throughout Great Britain. The species is also native to the landscapes of Ireland and Norway. Finally, its presence is confirmed within the borders of Sweden.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Northern Europe | Denmark | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Great Britain | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Ireland | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Norway | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Sweden | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Austria | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Belgium | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Czechia-Slovakia | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Germany | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Hungary | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant, Crataegus laevigata, utilizes various anatomical structures that contribute to its overall biology and medicinal profile. The plant's foundation is supported by its sturdy roots and stocks, which anchor it firmly in the soil and facilitate the absorption of essential nutrients and water. Its leaves are characterized by specific shapes and margins that are diagnostic to the species, serving as the primary sites for photosynthesis. Additionally, the plant produces flowers that are vital for its reproductive cycle, often attracting pollinators to ensure the successful production of seeds and fruit.- Total parts
- 3
- Scientific sources
- 3
| Plant Part | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| rootstocks | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| leaf | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| flower | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Chemicals
Crataegus laevigata has 2 reported phytochemicals identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include epigallocatechin, p-Coumaric acid.
- Total chemicals
- 2
- Scientific sources
- 2
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| epigallocatechin | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| p-Coumaric acid | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Crataegus laevigata has 7 reported medicinal uses identified across 8 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include heart failure, arrhythmia, cardiovascular diseases, exercise tolerance, high blood pressure.
- Total uses
- 7
- Scientific sources
- 8
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| heart failure | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| arrhythmia | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| cardiovascular diseases | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| exercise tolerance | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| high blood pressure | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| left ventricular dysfunction | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| psychosomatic disorders | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |