Common Hawthorn (Crataegus laevigata)

Common Hawthorn (Crataegus laevigata) is a member of the Rosaceae family, native to Europe, Western Asia, and North Africa. Traditionally, its fruits, leaves, and bark have been used for infusions, decoctions, and poultices.

This herb is particularly valued for its tonic, sedative, and astringent actions, and has a long history of use in european herbal medicine, mediterranean herbal traditions, and traditional chinese medicine.

Common Hawthorn (Crataegus laevigata) dried pieces of the herb arranged on a wooden table for reference — Common Hawthorn (Crataegus laevigata) dried pieces of the herb arranged together on a wooden table for reference, used in teas and remedies.

Quick Facts / Key Information

Common Name	Common Hawthorn
Scientific Name	Crataegus laevigata
Plant Family	Rosaceae
Genus	Crataegus
Species	laevigata
Native Range	Europe, Western Asia, North Africa
Plant Parts Used	Fruits, Leaves, Bark
Primary Medicinal Actions	Tonic, Sedative, Astringent
Primary Traditional Systems	European Herbal Medicine, Mediterranean Herbal Traditions, Traditional Chinese Medicine
Historical Preparation Methods	Infusion, Decoction, Poultice

Botanical Identity

Scientific Name: Crataegus laevigata
Common Name: Common Hawthorn
Synonyms / Alternative Names: Smooth Hawthorn, White-Thorn, White Hawthorn
Plant Family: Rosaceae
Genus: Crataegus

Botanical Description

Growth Habit: Perennial shrub.
Height: It typically grows to a height of 5 to 10 meters.
Leaves: Simple leaves with acuminate tips, upper surface glabrous and dark green, lower surface pale green with distinct stomatal bands.
Flowers: Flowers are solitary, actinomorphic, with five white petals and five yellow stamens, bearing red-orange drupes.
Stems: Erect, branched, woody, with opposite, simple, smooth, and often thorny stems.

Traditional Uses / Historical Use

Traditional Systems

European Herbal Medicine
Mediterranean Herbal Traditions
Traditional Chinese Medicine

Historical Preparation Methods

Infusion
Decoction
Poultice
Powder

Medicinal Actions

Tonic: In herbal literature, noted as a gentle tonic, in whole-system applications.
Sedative: Historically regarded as a mild sedative, for relaxation-oriented uses.
Astringent: Commonly referenced as a moderate astringent, in tissue-toning contexts.
Anti-inflammatory: In herbal texts, considered a warming anti-inflammatory, in tissue-soothing contexts.

Active Compounds

Flavonoid: Naturally occurring polyphenols that contribute to pigmentation and structural chemistry.
Tannin: High-molecular-weight phenolic compounds found in many plant species.
Phenolic Acid: Simple phenolic molecules widely distributed across plant tissues.
Glycoside: A chemical class frequently found in roots, leaves, and seeds.

Modern Research Overview

This section is reserved for future summaries of scientific research related to this plant. As additional verified sources are reviewed, relevant study information will be added here.

Safety & Contraindications

General Precautions: The use of this herb may warrant general caution in certain situations.
Contraindications: There is insufficient evidence to determine specific contraindications related to this herb.
Allergies: Information regarding allergic responses to this herb is limited.
Drug Interactions: Interactions with prescription medications have not been well documented.
Toxicity: The toxicity profile of this herb has not been clearly established.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding: Safety during pregnancy and breastfeeding has not been well documented.

Preparation & Usage Methods

Infusion: Plant material is steeped in hot water to extract water-soluble compounds.
Decoction: Plant material is simmered in water to extract compounds from tougher parts.
Poultice: Poultices involve external application of prepared plant matter.
Tincture: Tinctures are liquid extracts produced through alcoholic maceration.
Powder: Powdered preparations use finely milled plant parts.

Growing, Harvesting & Storage

Growing / Cultivation

Soil: Prefers loamy soil with well-drained conditions. Typically grows best in organically rich soils.
Sunlight: Thrives in partial sun. Tolerates full sun to partial shade.
Watering: Prefers seasonally moist soils. Tolerates periodic dry conditions.