Downy Hawthorn
Arbor walk #67
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.
| Name | Downy Hawthorn |
|---|---|
| Latin Name | Crataegus mollis |
| Type | Native |
| Diameter | 6″ dbh |
| Color of Leaf | Yellow green |
| Shape of Leaf | Variable in shape, edges of leaves irregular sharp pointed teeth |
| Color of Flower | White |
| Shape of Flower | Clustered 3/4 to 1″ wide |
| Fruit Characteristics | Scarlet or bright crimson, globe shaped |
| Bark Characteristics | Brownish gray, deeply fissured |
| Foliage Type | Deciduous |
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, it is important to 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.