The shrub that is Missouri ’s state flower is the downy hawthorn , scientifically known as Crataegus mollis . It was given this pureness in 1923 , and it continues to hold meaning to the people of Missouri . Hawthorns have a rich story and have been used for various purposes , let in medicine and culinary diligence .
One of the fascinating facial expression of hawthorn is their medicative properties . They have been used for hundred as a source of herbal medicine . The flowers , leave of absence , and fruits of hawthorns contain compounds that are lie with to have good core on the cardiovascular organization . Hawthorn extracts have been used to treat conditions such as gamy blood pressure , heart failure , and angina . Personally , I have used hawthorn supplements to support essence health and found them to be effective .
In addition to their medicinal US , hawthorns also have culinary software . The fruit of some hawthorn species can be made into jams , jellies , and even tea . These fruits , ordinarily bring up to as haws , have a tart and slightly sweet flavor . They can be harvest in the tardy summer or other fall and used to make delicious conserve or infuse into red-hot piss to make a comfort herbal tea . I have enjoyed making hawthorn jam and find it to be a unique and tasty treat .
Hawthorns are also known for their ornamental note value in landscaping . They are versatile shrub that can be used as specimen works , hedges , or even foundation plantings . With their heavy , thorny arm , hawthorns provide splendid privacy and security department when used as a hedge . Their attractive foliage and showy clustering of snowy or pinkish flower append beauty to any garden or landscape . to boot , haw create small red or orangish fruits that remain into the winter , providing food for birds and adding optical pastime to the garden .
When it number to grow hawthorns , there are several varieties to choose from . Some common species include the downy haw ( Crataegus mollis ) , the vernacular hawthorn ( Crataegus monogyna ) , and the Washington hawthorn ( Crataegus phaenopyrum ) . These species vary in size , bloom color , and fruit machine characteristic . It ’s important to take a variety that is well - suited to your climate and growing experimental condition .
Hawthorns are loosely easy to grow and keep . They are adaptable to a wide reach of soil types and can abide both full sun and fond shade . Regular tearing during wry spells and episodic pruning to remove dead or diseased branches are typically all that is postulate to keep hawthorns healthy and looking their good .
The downy haw is Missouri ’s official body politic bloom . haw have a long chronicle of medicinal consumption and can be used to make jam and tea from their fruits . They are also valuable in landscaping for their ornamental qualities . With their versatility and smasher , hawthorn are a wonderful summation to any garden or landscape .
Caroline Bates
