Plumleaf hawthorn facts for kids

Crataegus persimilis is a type of hawthorn tree or shrub. It's often called the plumleaf hawthorn or broad-leaved cockspur thorn. This plant naturally grows in southern Ontario, Canada, and in several US states like New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Kentucky, West Virginia, and Virginia.

People love to grow Crataegus persimilis in gardens, especially in Europe, because it's a beautiful ornamental plant. Scientists believe it might be a natural hybrid, meaning it's a mix of two other hawthorn types: Crataegus succulenta (fleshy hawthorn) and Crataegus crus-galli (cockspur hawthorn). One special type, called the 'Prunifolia' cultivar, has even won an award for being a great garden plant! It's considered one of the best trees for smaller gardens.

What Does Plumleaf Hawthorn Look Like?

Since the plumleaf hawthorn is likely a mix of two different plants, its features can vary a bit from one plant to another. For example, the shape of its leaves, the number of its stamens (the parts that make pollen), and the color of its anthers (the tips of the stamens) can all be different.

These plants can grow as shrubs or small trees, usually reaching about 5 to 6 meters (around 16 to 20 feet) tall. They spread out to about the same width, forming a nice dome shape.

Leaves and Thorns

The young branches are smooth, and their bark is a brownish-purple color. As the branches get older, the bark turns a dull gray. Plumleaf hawthorns have thorns on their twigs, which can be straight or curved. These thorns become shiny purplish-black after two years and can be 4 to 7 centimeters (about 1.5 to 2.7 inches) long. Older branches and the main trunk usually don't have thorns.

The leaves are dark green, smooth, and tough. They are shaped like an oval or diamond, about 4 to 5 centimeters (about 1.5 to 2 inches) long, and have锯齿状 (serrated) edges, like a saw. In autumn, the leaves turn amazing colors, from bright yellow to fiery orange, scarlet, and even purple.

Flowers and Fruit

The flowers of the plumleaf hawthorn have five petals and are white. The center of the flowers can have cream or pink anthers. These flowers bloom in May.

Later in the year, in September or October, the plant produces small, bright scarlet fruits called pomes. These fruits look a bit like tiny apples.

How People Use Plumleaf Hawthorn

The 'Prunifolia' type of Crataegus persimilis is often planted along streets in towns and cities. It's also a very popular choice for home gardens because of its stunning autumn leaf colors. Because it grows so densely, it can also be used to create a natural fence or a windbreak to protect other plants from strong winds.

Common Plant Problems

Like many plants, plumleaf hawthorn can sometimes get sick or have pests. It can be affected by a disease called fire blight, though it has some natural protection against it. It might also get small insects called hawthorn sawfly leaf miners, but these usually don't cause serious harm to healthy plants. Other problems can include leaf spot, caterpillars, gall mites, and aphids.