Crataegus phaenopyrum
Leaves: Deciduous. Thin leaves are nearly deltoid or triangular in shape and have 3-5 lobes. They are 1-3" long and ¾-2¼” wide, with a sharply serrated leaf edge with several small lobes. Dark green color and glossy. Orange to red fall color.
Bark/Twigs: Dark red-green to grayish colored bark. It is shreddy, scaly or sometimes blocky when young. Weakly furrowed, ridged, scaly, and often fluted or knotted when older. Numerous 1-3" long, slender thorns.
Flowers/Fruit: Flowers are white, ½" diameter, and bloom in small clusters. Blooms early June for 7-10 days. Fruit a ¼" diameter berry (pome), bright orange-red when mature and glossy. Fruit persists into winter and attracts birds.
Mature size and shape: Medium. 25-30’h x 20-25’w. Broadly oval to rounded shape, dense and thorny tree.
General information/special features: Plant in full sun. Shade intolerant. Fairly tough, drought tolerant and pH adaptable.
Landscape use and Maintenance: Good ornamental tree that can be planted in small groups or as a specimen. Average growing rate. Average maintenance.
USDA Hardiness Zone: 4-8
Family/Origin: Rosaceae – Rose. Native to much of the eastern U.S.
Campus use: Somewhat uncommon. Can be found northeast of Eyring Chemistry Building (Bld 85).