Photo of Crataegus nitida (Hawthorn)

Crataegus nitida - Commonly called glossy hawthorn or shining hawthorn, is a small, dense, broad-rounded tree to 20-30’ tall. It is also seen as a large multi-stemmed shrub. Branching is usually armed with thorns (to 2” long) with lower branching being horizontal and upper branching being more erect. Coarsely toothed, elliptic to oblong-ovate dark green leaves (to 3” long) have pointed tips and are sometimes lobed near the top. Leaves turn orange to red in fall. White flowers (in corymbs) bloom in May. Flowers emit an unpleasant fragrance. Flowers are followed by rounded fruits (3/8” diameter) that ripen to dull red in September-October and typically persist throughout winter to spring. Fruits are technically edible, but are usually best left for the birds. The fruit is sometimes called a haw. Family: Rosaceae

Author : Martin Alarie
Photo # : 46556
Online since: February 6th 2024