Downy Hawthorn
Arbor Walk #67, Treekeeper ID #1716
The Downy Hawthorn is a deciduous tree in the rose family and is native to the Midwest. Despite the unpleasant scent and the presence of long thorns, the tree is much loved for the beauty of its flowers in the spring and fruits in the summer.
The Downy Hawthorn is a small to medium sized shade tree that features the typical white flowers and red fruit of other hawthorns. Similarly, these flowers are unpleasantly scented which is common of hawthorns, and the red fruit is messy. In addition, when planting the tree, be cautious and aware of the long thorns which are typically 1-2 inches. For these reasons, it is important to consider the location of this tree before planting it.
| Name | Downy Hawthorn |
|---|---|
| Latin Name | Crataegus mollis |
| Indigenous Name(s) | |
| Cultivar/Variety | |
| Commercial Name |
Global Distribution
GPS Coordinates
N/A
Percent Concrete
N/A
Distance to Buildings
| Year | Close Building #1 | Close Building #2 | Close Building #3 |
|---|---|---|---|
Distance to Other Species
| Year | Close Species #1 | Close Species # 2 | Close Species # 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
Standard Measurements
| Year | Height (m) | DBH (cm) | Crown Diameter N-S (m) | Crown Diameter E-W (m) | Average Crown Diameter (m) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 14.3 | 31.5/82.5 | 14.62 | 15.26 | 14.94 |
Nests and Pests
| Year | Description |
|---|---|
| 2024 |
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.
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.
Bark Identification
The Downy Hawthorn’s bark is smooth when young but breaks up into narrow scales with age.
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.
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.
