Red Azarole Hawthorn

Crataegus azarolus species native to Mediterranean Basin (southern Europe, North Africa, Middle East). Small ornamental tree/large shrub reaching 15 feet. Fast-growing with beautiful glossy dark green foliage and few but stout thorns. Hardy, disease and pest resistant. Self-fertile.

Small red fruit in clusters tasting like tart apple. Energy-rich berries persist on tree into mid-winter. Used fresh, dried, or made into jam, marmalade, and syrup. Traditional food and medicine for centuries around Mediterranean. Fruit has high polyphenolic content with antioxidant and antimicrobial properties.

Mediterranean hawthorn with long history of culinary and medicinal use in Tunisia, North Africa, southern Europe. Copious berry yield attracts pollinators (thousands of white flower clusters in spring) and wildlife, especially birds. Real trouper in natural gardens or hedgerows. Suitable for 15-foot spacing in hedgerow plantings. Valued for phenolic compounds, particularly isoquercitrin in leaves and hyperosid in fruit.