Azarole

Profile

Family

Rosaceae

Habit

Tree

Height

10 m

Spread

10 m

Growth

medium

Lifespan

300 years

First yield

after 6 years

Hardiness

zone 6–9

Shade tolerance

partial shade

Soil

Sand, Silt, Loam, Clay

Soil moisture

dry – near water

pH

6 – 8

Planned in gardens

3×

Flowering & harvest

Times apply to the northern hemisphere in a temperate climate and shift with altitude and cultivar.

Uses

Edible: Fruits (fresh, preserved/dried) ranging from 2 to 3.5 cm, may be sweeter when exposed to sunlight (potentially preserved with flour or honey).

Medicinal: The fruits and flowers of plants such as hawthorn possess properties that can strengthen the heart and reduce blood pressure. They are suitable for preparing teas or tinctures.

Other uses: Wood is a material utilized for tool handles and a variety of items. It is dense, durable, resilient, and has a smooth texture. Additionally, wood can serve as a source of energy and is beneficial for creating barriers and offering protection to birds looking for places to nest.

Growing

A plant that is easy to grow and thrives in well-drained, moisture-retaining soil, but is not picky. Once established, it can adapt to both excessively moist and drought conditions. It also does well in calcareous and heavy clay soils, preferring full sun for optimal fruit production. While it can tolerate partial shade, fruit yields may be lower. Most species in this plant genus prefer exposed areas and can withstand air pollution. Azarole, traditionally grown in southern Europe for its edible fruit, is now losing popularity. There are various named cultivars available. Seedlings typically take 5-8 years to bear fruit, although grafted trees may flower heavily by the third year. The flowers emit an unpleasant odor resembling rotting fish, attracting midges for pollination. When freshly opened, the flowers have a more pleasant scent with balsamic hints. Hawthorn species readily hybridize with other genus members. Seedlings should not exceed two years in a seedbed without transplantation.

Propagation

Seeds are ideally sown right after they mature in autumn and are placed in a cold storage. While some seeds may sprout in the following spring, most will likely require an additional year. Stored seeds can have a slow and irregular germination process; to help speed it up, they should undergo a warm stratification at 15°C for 3 months followed by a cold stratification at 4°C for another 3 months. Even with these treatments, it may still take up to 18 months for the seeds to germinate. To potentially reduce this time, scoring the seed before stratification could be beneficial. Another method to hasten germination is by fermenting the seed in its pulp for a few days. Alternatively, harvesting the seed while still "green" and planting it immediately in a cold storage can lead to spring germination if timed correctly. For those cultivating small quantities of plants, it's recommended to pot the seedlings early and keep them in individual pots for the first year before transferring them to nursery beds or permanent positions in late spring. In the case of larger quantities, direct outdoor sowing in a protected seedbed is advisable, ensuring protection from seed-eating animals. The plants should remain in the seedbed until they are sufficiently developed to be transplanted, with root pruning necessary if they will be undisturbed for over two years.

Notable

Special features: drought, wind, and pollutant-resistant; alternatively: apple, scarlet, and Chinese hawthorn; naturally crosses with other hawthorn species; the fruits are very rich in vitamin C; the blossoms have a very strong, distinctive odor; information on yield and calories cannot be found even in Italian literature (where it is a well-known cultivated fruit).

Origin & habitat

Southern Europe to Western Asia.

The forest is inhabited by a range of animals such as deer, squirrels, and birds. The tall trees exude a majestic presence, and the air is filled with the fresh scent of moss. It offers a tranquil and calming environment, providing a getaway from the busyness of daily life.

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