Hawthorns

Photo of hawthorn trees blooming on lawn of Missouri state capitol
Thorny
Scientific Name
Various species in the genus Crataegus
Family
Rosaceae (roses)
Description

There are dozens of different kinds of hawthorns that occupy almost every kind of soil in every part of the state. These members of the rose family are closely related to apples.

Hawthorns (species in the genus Crataegus) are shrubs or small trees, often with two or more trunks, spreading, rounded crowns, and woody spines.

Leaves are alternate, simple, toothed, some species having lobes and others not, the leaf shape varying widely (oval, spatula-shaped, triangular, rounded, sharply pointed, etc).

Bark is dark and scaled on the trunk, variously grooved, sometimes smooth, flaking.

Twigs are usually gray, often hairy when young, often bearing sharp thorns that are about 1½ inches long, often straight or slightly curved.

Flowers April–June, borne in clusters, each flower with 5 white petals; stamens 10–20 or more. Flowers resemble small apple blossoms.

Fruits September–October, clusters often persisting into winter; like small crabapples; usually rounded and less than ½ inch long; usually red or orange-red, but sometimes yellowish or greenish; fleshy or sometimes dry or mealy; with small seeds within.

Size
Some species reach 35 feet in height, while others reach only about 15 or 18 feet.
Where To Find
image of Hawthorns distribution map
Hawthorns — members of the genus Crataegus — are found throughout the state; some species are more widespread than others.
Common in pastures. Occurs in rocky open woodlands and bluffs, stream borders, thickets, edges of woods, often in rocky places. Some species occur on hillsides, others in bottomlands. The clusters of flowers, often colorful fruits, and manageable size endear hawthorns to landscapers, and many varieties appear in cultivation, including some specially bred for landscape use. In nature, hawthorns are often associated with persimmon, eastern red cedar, Osage orange, red mulberry, and sumac.
Our state flower, the hawthorn, is solidly represented in Missouri. There are more than 75 different kinds of hawthorns (species, subspecies, and hybrids) that occupy almost every kind of soil in every part of the state. These members of the rose family are closely related to apples. Some hawthorns are common, while others are more rare. Littlehip hawthorn, Crataegus spathulata, is at the northern limit of its range in Missouri and is in danger of extinction within our state.
Hawthorns are valuable ornamental trees, and many cultivars have been derived. In 1923, downy hawthorn (Crataegus mollis) was approved as Missouri’s official state flower. Hawthorns have been and are used as a source of medicine. The fruits of some species can be made into jams or tea.
The fleshy berries are relished by many kinds of birds, small mammals, and other wildlife. Deer browse on the leaves and twigs. The thorniness, dense branching, and heavy foliage provide important cover for wildlife and nesting sites for birds.
Media Gallery
Photo of hawthorn trees blooming on lawn of Missouri state capitol
Jim Rathert
1/10
Illustration of cockspur thorn leaves, flowers, fruits.
Cockspur thorn (cockspur hawthorn) (Crataegus crus-galli).
Paul Nelson
2/10
Illustration of frosted hawthorn leaves, flowers, fruits.
Frosted hawthorn (Crataegus pruinosa)
Paul Nelson
3/10
Illustration of green hawthorn leaves, flowers, fruits.
Green hawthorn (green haw), Crataegus viridis.
Paul Nelson
4/10
Illustration of late hawthorn leaves, flowers, fruit.
Late hawthorn (urn-tree hawthorn), Crataegus calpodendron.
Paul Nelson
5/10
Illustration of littlehip hawthorn leaves, flowers, fruits.
Littlehip hawthorn (Crataegus spathulata).
Paul Nelson
6/10
Illustration of one-flowered hawthorn leaves, flower, fruits.
One-flowered hawthorn (Crataegus uniflora).
Paul Nelson
7/10
Illustration of red haw leaves, flowers, fruits.
Red Haw (Downy Hawthorn), Crataegus mollis.
Paul Nelson
8/10
Illustration of Washington thorn leaves, flowers, fruits.
Washington thorn (Washington hawthorn) (Crataegus phaenopyrum).
Paul Nelson
9/10
Illustration of eight different hawthorn species.
Leaves of eight Missouri hawthorns (Crataegus spp.).
Paul Nelson
10/10
Photo of hawthorn trees blooming on lawn of Missouri state capitol
Illustration of cockspur thorn leaves, flowers, fruits.
Illustration of frosted hawthorn leaves, flowers, fruits.
Illustration of green hawthorn leaves, flowers, fruits.
Illustration of late hawthorn leaves, flowers, fruit.
Illustration of littlehip hawthorn leaves, flowers, fruits.
Illustration of one-flowered hawthorn leaves, flower, fruits.
Illustration of red haw leaves, flowers, fruits.
Illustration of Washington thorn leaves, flowers, fruits.
Illustration of eight different hawthorn species.
Similar Species
About Trees, Shrubs and Woody Vines in Missouri
There are no sharp dividing lines between trees, shrubs, and woody vines, or even between woody and nonwoody plants. “Wood” is a type of tissue made of cellulose and lignin that many plants develop as they mature — whether they are “woody” or not. Trees are woody plants over 13 feet tall with a single trunk. Shrubs are less than 13 feet tall, with multiple stems. Vines require support or else sprawl over the ground.