T r e e s  o f  N o r t h  C a r o l i n a

Crataegus L. (Rosaceae)

A genus of 100-500 species, shrubs and small trees; north temperate and Central America, most in e. North America.

This genus continues to be among the most taxonomically challenging. Considering the state of taxonomic flux and pending changes, no treatment is provided at this time. This page will be updated as our knowledge is solidified.

Species of Crataegus (Hawthorn) occur throughout the state and in a number of habitats. They are known variously from Coastal Plain swamp forests, deciduous forest understories, pastures, fencerows, sandhill pine forests, brushy hillsides, mountain rock outcrops, etc. Some examples of the variation in morphology are provided below.

Morphology of Crataegus in North Carolina

Crataegus
Bark of Crataegus (Copyright W. Cook)
Twig of Crataegus
Twig of Crataegus (Copyright W. Cook)
Leaves of Crataegus
Leaves of Crataegus (Copyright W. Cook)
Flowers of Crataegus
Flowers of Crataegus (Copyright W. Cook)
Crataegus
Pomes of Crataegus (Copyright W. Cook)
N.C. distribution of Crataegus crus-galli (sensu USDA PLANTS)
N.C. distribution of Crataegus crus-galli (sensu USDA PLANTS)

Crataegus (Hawthorn)
(common to rare [depending on the species]; various habitats, such as swamp forests, deciduous forest understories, pastures, fencerows, sandhill pine forests, brushy hillsides, mountain rock outcrops, etc.; Mt, Pd, CP; Fl: Mar-Jun, Fr: Jun-Oct)