Hawthorn
Crataegus spp. 
The hawthorns are a large and complex group of more than 100 species, most of which are shrubs or small trees. They commonly have large clusters of white flowers, red berries and thorns on the branches. Hawthorns invade old fields where they provide food and cover for wildlife. Special notes: downy hawthorn is Missouri's state flower.
Identifying Characteristics
- Height
- 30 ft
- Spread
- 25 ft
- Leaves
- alternate, simple, edges toothed; variable in shape and size depending on species
- Flowers
- white, showy; appearing April or May
- Fruit
- small yellow to red berries
- Bark
- gray to reddish-brown; trunk and branches with stiff, sharp thorns
- Associated species
- persimmon, eastern redcedar, Osage-orange, red mulberry, sumac
- Ideal site conditions
- average soil, full sun
- Value to man
- landscaping, windbreaks
- Value to wildlife
- food, cover
- Growth Rate
- slow
- Range
