Crataegus crus-galli
| Crataegus crus-galli | |
|---|---|
| |
| A cultivated form | |
Scientific classification 
| |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Clade: | Rosids |
| Order: | Rosales |
| Family: | Rosaceae |
| Genus: | Crataegus |
| Section: | Crataegus sect. Coccineae |
| Series: | Crataegus ser. Crus-galli |
| Species: | C. crus-galli
|
| Binomial name | |
| Crataegus crus-galli | |
| Synonyms[2] | |
|
Synonyms list
| |
Crataegus crus-galli is a species of hawthorn known by the common names cockspur hawthorn and cockspur thorn. It is native to North America and is widely used in horticulture. It produces edible fruit.
Description
[edit]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 colour, usually a shade of red.[3] Most wild varieties[specify] of the tree are heavily armed in sharp thorns several centimeters long.[citation needed]
Taxonomy
[edit]It is thought to be the parent, along with Crataegus succulenta, of the tetraploid species Crataegus persimilis.
Distribution and habitat
[edit]It is native to eastern North America from Ontario to Texas to Florida.[4][3]
Cultivation
[edit]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.[3]
Uses
[edit]The fruit is edible and can be made into jelly or crushed to make tea.[5]
Images
[edit]-
C. crus-galli var. pyracanthifolia -
C. crus-galli var. pyracanthifolia -
Thorns on 2 to 3-year old branches -
Branched thorns on the trunk -
Seeds -
Preserved fruit
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ Botanic Gardens Conservation International (BGCI) & IUCN SSC Global Tree Specialist Group (2018). "Crataegus crus-galli". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2018: e.T135957789A135957791. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2018-2.RLTS.T135957789A135957791.en. Retrieved 31 May 2024.
- ^ Phipps, J.B. (2015), "Crataegus crus-galli Linnaeus", in L. Brouillet; K. Gandhi; C.L. Howard; H. Jeude; R.W. Kiger; J.B. Phipps; A.C. Pryor; H.H. Schmidt; J.L. Strother; J.L. Zarucchi (eds.), Flora of North America North of Mexico, vol. 9: Magnoliophyta: Picramniaceae to Rosaceae, New York, Oxford: Oxford University Press, pp. 538–619
- ^ a b c Phipps, J.B.; O’Kennon, R.J.; Lance, R.W. (2003). Hawthorns and medlars. Cambridge, U.K.: Royal Horticultural Society. ISBN 0-88192-591-8.
- ^ NRCS. "Crataegus crus-galli L.". PLANTS Database. United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). Retrieved 7 June 2022.
- ^ Elias, Thomas S.; Dykeman, Peter A. (2009) [1982]. Edible Wild Plants: A North American Field Guide to Over 200 Natural Foods. New York: Sterling. pp. 237–38. ISBN 978-1-4027-6715-9. OCLC 244766414.