oneflower hawthorn

Plant Type

Shrub (less than 10 ft)

Life Cycle

Perennial

Typical Size

2-12 ft. tall
3-10 ft. wide

Tolerant of

Drought, Occasional Flooding

Plants/Diseases

No known disease or pest issues.

Wildlife Benefits

Nectar/pollen source for pollinating insects, Host plant for butterfly larvae, Fruit/seeds for birds, Supports numerous caterpillars (bird food)

Leaves

Alternate leaf arrangement. Leaves glossy, simple. Shape is elliptical, oblong to ovate with crenate or serrate margins.

Flowers

White solitary flowers with 4-5 petals. Fragrance may be unpleasant, but attracts midges for pollination.

Fruit

The green yellow to dull red pomes are 1 x 1 inch and harvested in the fall

Bark

Light gray and scaly. New twigs sig zag and exhibit a brown to red/burgundy color.

Toxicity

No known toxicity.

Edibility

Fruits are edible.

USDA Hardiness Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Light Exposure

Full Sun, Part Sun/Shade

Soil Moisture

Moist

Soil Drainage

Well-drained

Soil pH

Acidic (less than 6.0), Neutral (6.0-8.0), Basic (greater than 8.0)

Native in South Carolina?

Yes

Plant Native Habitat

Sand barrens, sandhills, open scrubby woodlands, often associated with P. palustris, P. rigida and xerophytic species of Quercus and Carya.

Global Conservation Status (NatureServe)

Secure (G5)

Federal Conservation Status (USFWS)

Not Listed

Distribution Notes

Common throughout South Carolina