Crataegus species are shrubs or small trees, mostly growing to 5–15 m (15–50 ft) tall, [7] with small fruit and (usually) thorny branches. The most common type of bark is smooth grey in young individuals, developing shallow longitudinal fissures with narrow ridges in older trees. Hawthorns (Crataegus spp.) are a genus of small flowering deciduous trees belonging to the rose family (Rosaceae).

Understanding the Context

The genus consists of over 380 species, some native to Pennsylvania. These fruit-bearing ornamental trees produce pome-like drupes, sometimes called haws or apples. Hawthorn (Crataegus spp.) is a genus of small berry producing, flowering trees that are perfect for creating appeal in large and small areas alike. Hawthorn, (genus Crataegus), large genus of thorny shrubs or small trees in the rose family (Rosaceae), native to the north temperate zone.

Key Insights

Many species are common to North America, and a number of cultivated varieties are grown as ornamentals for their attractive flowers and fruits. Hawthorn trees, from the Crataegus genus, are small to medium-sized deciduous trees or shrubs, typically growing 15-40 feet tall across zones 3-9. Native to temperate regions, they’re known for thorny branches, lobed leaves, and a hardy nature, thriving in full sun and a range of soils. CRADOU SYNONYMS: Crataegus rivularis (Nutt.) Sarg. SCS PLANT CODE: CRDO2 COMMON NAMES: black hawthorn Douglas hawthorn river hawthorn western thornapple TAXONOMY: The currently accepted scientific name of black hawthorn is Crataegus douglasii (Lindl.) [18].

Final Thoughts

There are two extant varieties, each distinguishable by floral parts and geographic ... Crataegus is very sparsely represented in China, Japan, the Himalaya, and in western N. America. About a dozen species occur in Europe and Asia Minor. Most of the remainder are natives of eastern and central N. America, where an extraordinary number of beautiful species exist.