Dotted hawthorn facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Dotted hawthorn
A red-anthered form of this variable species
Scientific classification
Genus:	Crataegus
Species:	punctata

The Dotted Hawthorn (Crataegus punctata) is a type of hawthorn tree or large bush. It grows naturally in many parts of the eastern United States and eastern Canada. People sometimes call it the White Haw because of its pale, grey bark. This light bark is easy to spot, especially in winter.

Discovering the Dotted Hawthorn

The Dotted Hawthorn is a popular plant. Some people thought it was the state flower of Missouri. However, the laws in Missouri do not name a specific hawthorn species. The Missouri Department of Conservation says that the Crataegus mollis (Downy Hawthorn) was actually chosen as the state flower.

What Does It Look Like?

This plant can grow up to about 7 meters (23 feet) tall. It has many thorns, especially on its trunk. Its flowers are interesting. Each flower has three to five styles and about 20 stamens. The color of the anthers (parts of the stamens) can change a lot. They can be deep purple, red, pink, or even white.

Its Fruit and Seeds

After the flowers, the plant grows small fruits. These fruits have three to five tiny seeds inside, called nutlets. The fruit color can also vary a lot. You might see deep burgundy, bright scarlet, yellow, or yellow fruits with a red blush.

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  Flowers of a white-anthered form

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  Fruit colour varies