How to Identify the Downy Hawthorn

Leaf Identification

The leaves of the Downy Hawthorn are 2″ to 5″ long and 2″ to 4″ wide. They have variable shapes, but are typically broadly ovate-shaped, with a semi-circle base. The margins are irregularly serrated or doubly serrated, and the venation is pinnate. The margin is sometimes lobed as well as serrated. Both sides of the leaves have this hawthorn’s namesake downiness, with the hairs being longer on the leaf underside and diminishing on the front side as the leaf matures.

  • Diseased Leaf of Arbor Walk #67
  • Underside of Leaf from Arbor Walk #67

Twig and Bud Identification

The twigs and branches of the Downy Hawthorn have 1″ to 2″ long, sharp thorns, but this hawthorn has less thorns than most other hawthorn species. The twigs are zig zag. The buds are dark, shiny red, and round. Twigs lose their pubescence (hairiness) as they mature.

  • Twig of Arbor Walk #67
  • Bud of Arbor Walk #67

Bark Identification

The Downy Hawthorn’s bark is smooth when young but breaks up into narrow scales with age.

  • Bark of Arbor Walk #67
  • Trunk of Arbor Walk #67

Fruit Identification

The Downy Hawthorn has scarlet or bright crimson pomes that are globe shaped and up to 1″ in diameter. Immature fruit are green.

  • Unhealthy, Immature Fruit of Arbor Walk #67

Flower Identification

The flowers of the Downy Hawthorn are white, five-petaled, and in 3/4″ to 1″ wide clusters. They also have an unpleasant smell. They bloom in spring.

ID Tips

  • There are many hawthorn species in North America, many of which have numerous overlapping characteristics and are difficult to tell apart. This is the only hawthorn listed in our Arboretum.