Crataegus pinnatifida, also known as Chinese Hawthorn, is a deciduous tree that can grow up to 6 meters in height. It prefers well-drained, moist loamy soil and can tolerate drought and heavy clay soils. The tree thrives in full sun to partial shade, although the amount of sun will affect the quantity of fruit produced.

Cultivation

Trees should be planted as soon as possible, except for bare-root trees which can be heel-in until the soil is ready. Bare-root trees must be planted before new growth appears in spring, usually in March.

Traditional Uses

Crataegus pinnatifida has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries to stimulate digestion and improve blood circulation. The dried fruits of the tree, known as ?Shanzha,? are used as a medicine and food homology herb. It is traditionally used to treat indigestion, cardiodynia, thoracalgia, hernia, postpartum blood stagnation, and hemafecia.

Pharmacological Activities

The tree has been found to have multiple pharmacological activities, including:

Cardiovascular protection: Crataegus pinnatifida has been shown to lower blood cholesterol, increase myocardial contractility, and promote coronary circulation.
Digestive promotion: The tree has been used to treat digestive disorders and improve digestion.
Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities: Crataegus pinnatifida has been found to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which may help protect against diseases such as cancer and cardiovascular disease.
Hair Growth Activity

Crataegus pinnatifida has also been found to have hair growth-promoting activity. The extract of the tree has been shown to induce anagen phase, which may be mediated by the activation of cellular signalings that enhance the survival of cultured hair follicle cells and increase the ratio of Bcl-2 to Bax that protects cells against cell death.