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People began collecting hawthorn quite a long time ago, and collecting not only berries, but also inflorescences, bark and leaves is popular. The plant attracts close attention of people due to its taste and medicinal properties.
Where does hawthorn grow in Russia?
About 47 species of this tree grow on the territory of the Russian Federation. Only a few plant species are popular.
- Blood red hawthorn (Crataégussanguinea). The second name of the plant is Siberian hawthorn. Natural growth zones are the East Siberian and West Siberian regions, Transbaikalia and the territory of the European part of the Russian Federation. In these regions, trees can be found in clearings and edges of dry sparse forests, in steppes and river floodplains.
- Altai hawthorn (Crataegusaltaíca). Under natural conditions, the species can be found in the East Siberian region (Republic of Tuva). Can grow singly or in group plantings. Prefers rocky areas, river floodplains and chalk hills.
- Daurian hawthorn (Crataégusdahuríca). Growing regions: South-Eastern Siberia and the Far East.Under natural conditions, trees of this species can be found on river banks, in flooded meadows, forest edges, in the undergrowth of mixed and deciduous forests, and on mountain slopes.
All of the above species are not particularly picky about the soil. For better development of trees, alluvial, pebble, and sandy soils are suitable. There are frequent cases of successful growth in conditions of poorly cultivated soil. The tree prefers sunny areas and tolerates light shading.
Strongly acidic and waterlogged soils and places with close underground rivers are absolutely unsuitable for trees. Coastal zones flooded by meltwater and lowlands with stagnant cold air currents are also not suitable places for growing this crop.
Large-thorned (large-anthered) hawthorn (Crataégusmacracantha).
Under natural conditions it grows only in the North American region, but as a cultivated species it is most widespread in the European part of the Russian Federation (Moscow region, Urals, regions of the Central zone). Tree plantings can be found on the slopes of mountain ranges and in coastal areas of lakes and rivers. Prefers fertile, moderately moist, drained soil enriched with limestone. It is extremely difficult to tolerate highly acidic, clayey and waterlogged substrates. Loves well-lit sunny places and copes well with light shading.
Maximowicz's hawthorn (Crataégusmaximowiczii).
The species is distributed in the Far East and regions of Eastern Siberia. Due to the regions of growth, this species was named in memory of the Russian botanist Karl Maksimovich, who studied new flowering plants in the Amur and Ussuri regions.Natural growing conditions are in wet meadows, flooded valleys, dry mountain slopes, river banks, forest edges with oak and broad-leaved (sparse) plantings.
The plant prefers fertile, moderately moist soil, loam, neutral or slightly acidic. Loves light and copes well with light shading.
Common hawthorn (Crataéguslaevigata).
The distribution area of this species is the entire territory of Europe, but for the central zone and southern regions of the Russian Federation, the popularity of growing the tree is due not only to the fruits, but also to the decorative forms of the plant. It includes several subspecies, distinguished by the shapes and colors of the leaf blade and peduncles.
Under natural conditions it grows on the edges of pine or deciduous forests, river banks, screes and in thickets of bushes. The species is demanding on lighting and absolutely cannot tolerate shading. Prefers only fertile, well-drained and slightly moist soils.
When does hawthorn ripen?
Flowering of trees begins in the second decade of May and can last until the end of June. And only in the large-spined (large-anthered) species flowering lasts only 10 days.
If you need to collect hawthorn flowers, you should carefully consider the time frame for flowering and stop collecting after 6 days from the start of flowering.
The ripening of hawthorn berries, regardless of its type, occurs from August to September, in rare cases until October.
Early spring is the time to collect hawthorn bark. It is during this period that the active movement of juice inside the plant begins.
Sometimes hawthorn foliage is also used for medicinal purposes, which must begin to be collected before flowering begins and can be continued until its end.
When to collect hawthorn fruits
It is better to collect hawthorn fruits for the winter before the onset of the first frost. Frozen berries are absolutely not suitable for long-term storage, but are perfect for processing.
The best time to collect hawthorn fruits is on a dry, windless afternoon. During this period, the morning dew has already evaporated and the fruits have dried up. Only dry, not overripe and not spoiled by birds berries are the best material for long-term storage.
When to collect hawthorn in the Moscow region
In the conditions of the Moscow region, most often the first frosts occur on September 20-22. Consequently, hawthorn fruits can be collected as early as August and September. This harvest period is facilitated by a milder climate and more sunny days. In any case, fruits that are firm to the touch and without damage are suitable for harvesting. It is better to leave soft berries for birds for the possibility of future reproduction.
When to collect hawthorn in the middle zone
Central Russia is characterized by the appearance of the first frosts from the second half of October (most often the first frosts are expected on October 14 - the Feast of the Intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary). Based on these climatic conditions, fruit harvesting should be completed before this time.
When to collect hawthorn in the Urals
The climatic features of the Urals are the first frosts in September. You need to have time to collect the fruits before they become slightly frozen. Hawthorn is harvested in the Urals in August.
When to pick hawthorn berries in Siberia
Siberia is the coldest region of Russia with short summers and long winters. Based on these climatic features, the fruit harvest begins in August. It is not uncommon to pick berries in the last ten days of July (depending on the summer weather and the number of sunny days).
How to properly collect hawthorn
To properly harvest fruits, you must follow the following rules:
- You should protect your body with thick clothing. Hawthorn has very long and sharp needles that can cause serious injury.
- You can start collecting hawthorn fruits from the lower tier, gradually moving to the upper branches.
- Only whole berries, not spoiled by birds, without mold, are suitable for harvesting.
- You can pick the fruits alone, but it is better to pick the berry along with the shield.
- It is best to collect after the leaves have fallen. Under such conditions, the berries are clearly visible.
- Overripe fruits can be collected, but they are not suitable for storage. The best use for overripe berries is to make compote, jam or marmalade.
- A basket like a mushroom basket is useful for collecting.
- It is better to collect fruits deep in the forest plantation, away from highways and industrial enterprises.
- There is no need to pick absolutely all the berries from the tree. They will serve as food for birds in winter.
Fruit pickers can be used to collect berries. How to properly collect hawthorn with their help is shown in the video:
Conclusion
Harvesting hawthorn is not only possible, but also necessary. The berry contains a huge amount of vitamins and microelements. This has a beneficial effect not only on the taste, but also on the medicinal properties of the berry.
