Academics

Hawthorn

Crataegus submollis | Family: Rosaceae

submission: Chrissy McIntire

Identification:

Leaves—

green, soft with some ridges.

Twigs—

long, thin, and dark brown.

Flowers—

small, white, and clustered together.

Fruit—

plump bright red little cherries

Bark—

rough texture and dull gray dark brown

Hover over one of the description’s examples.

Natural History:

Lifespan—

very long lived, even hundreds of years.

General description—

Today they are naturalized within the northeastern united states, even though they are originally from the southeast; they are also known for their bright autumn flowers.

Natural distribution and habitat—

Southeastern United States.

Conservation status—

must be kept away from diseases, pests, and urban areas due to sensitivity.

Uses—

Usually, as an ornamental tree, the fruit is not eaten. It can also be used for home planting and urban areas.

References:

“Hawthorn.” School of Forest Resources Conservation RSS2, University of Florida, 1 March 2014, http://www.sfrc.ufl.edu/extension/4h/ecosystems/_plants/Hawthorn/index.html
“Hawthorn.” Forestry.ohio.dnr.gov, ODNR Division of Forestry, http://forestry.ohiodnr.gov/hawthorn
“Common Hawthorn.” Treeandlandscape.ie, O’Brien horticulture, http://www.treeandlandscape.ie/Tree-A-Z/common-hawthorn-crataegus-monogyna.html
“Washington Hawthorn.” Canadiantreetours.org, Canadian Tree Tours, http://canadiantreetours.org/species-pages/Washington_thorn.html#facts