About
Crataegus pinnatifida var. major 'Big Golden Star' is a deciduous tree that grows upright with a spreading habit. It typically has few to no thorns and features distinctive peeling bark. The leaves are long-stalked and deeply lobed, displaying a glossy green color. In early summer, the tree produces flattened clusters of white flowers, which are succeeded by large, edible haws that are shiny and orange-red, measuring 3 cm or larger.
About the genus
Crataegus comprises deciduous trees and shrubs characterized by spiny branches and leaves that may be lobed or serrated. These plants produce clusters of creamy-white blossoms, which give way to red or black fruits. Certain species display notable color changes in autumn.
Growing conditions
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
- Plant type
- Trees
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 4-8 metres
- Spread
- 2.5-4 metres
- Time to full height
- 20-50 years
- Suggested uses
- Wildlife gardens, Cottage and informal garden
- Toxicity
- Seeds contain toxins so these should be removed if you are considering eating the fruit, usually grown as an ornamental shrub Pets: Fruit are ornamental - not to be eaten - see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants for further information and useful contact numbers
Care notes
- Cultivation
- Grows in most soils and situations
- Pruning
- Pruning group 1
- Propagation
- Propagate by budding in mid-summer or grafting in winter
- Pest resistance
- May be susceptible to caterpillars, gall mites and aphids
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free but may be susceptible to a leaf spot, fireblight and honey fungus