OF Ohio 



n 



THE HAWTHORNS— Crataegus 



THE Hawthorns comprise a big group of small trees. 

 There are more than 30 common species. If one ob- 

 serves their flowers and fruit it is easy to see that they are 

 closely related to the apples, plums and peaches. The most 



COCKSPUR THORN 

 One-foorth natural size. 



distinctive feature of their make-up is their stiff thorns on the 

 zigzag branches. 



Two common Hawthorns are the Cockspur Thorn and 

 the Scarlet Thorn. The Cockspur Thorn (Crataegus crus- 

 galli, Linnaeus) may be recognized by its long, usually un- 

 branched, chestnut brown thorns, its inversely ovate leaves, 

 alid its small nearly spherical buds. The white flowers are 

 grouped in round-topped clusters, and the bright apple-like 

 scarlet fruit persists far into winter. This small tree is com- 

 mon throughout Ohio. 



The Scarlet Hawthorn (Crataegus coccinea, Linnaeus) 

 can be recognized by its ovate leaves, and its round, reddish- 

 brown fruit. Both the leaves and the fruit show a tendency 

 to be hairy. The leaves are 5 to 9-Iobed, often deep-deft 

 and finely toothed along the margin. The nearly round 

 chestnut brown buds and the slender, straight thorns are 

 also helpful in recognizing this small tree which is found in 

 meadow pastures, abandoned fields, and waste places generally 

 throughout Ohio. Its abundant bloom, rich scarlet fruit 

 and attractive autumnal foliage recommend it highly for 

 ornamental planting. 



