Cockspur Hawthorn

 Crataegus crus-galli

   Its common name comes from the thorns found on its stems.  Common and widespread, it has been planted for ornament and as a hedge since colonial times.  It blooms with white flowers in May and its thick and glossy foliage will turn bright orange or red in the fall.

Crataegus crus-galli is a species of hawthorn known by the common names cockspur hawthorn and cockspur thorn. It is native to eastern North America from Ontario to Texas to Florida, and it is widely used in horticulture. It is thought to be the parent, along with Crataegus succulenta, of the tetraploid species Crataegus persimilis.

This is a small tree growing up to about 10 meters tall and 8 meters wide, rounded in form when young and spreading and flattening as it matures. The leaves are 5 to 6 centimeters long, glossy dark green in color and turning gold to red in the fall. The flowers are white and have a scent generally considered unpleasant. The fruits are small pomes that vary in color, usually a shade of red. Most wild varieties of the tree are heavily armed in sharp thorns several centimeters long.

This species is a popular ornamental tree, especially var. inermis, which lacks thorns. Many other wild forms would be very suitable for landscaping if better known, and yellow-fruited forms exist.

The fruit is edible and can be made into jelly or crushed to make tea.

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Common Chokecherry