Plumleaf hawthorn facts for kids
Crataegus persimilis is a type of hawthorn tree, often called the plumleaf hawthorn or broad-leaved cockspur thorn. It grows naturally in parts of southern Ontario, Canada, and several US states like New York, Pennsylvania, and Ohio. People love to plant it in their gardens, especially in Europe, because it's a very pretty tree. Scientists think it might be a natural mix, or hybrid, of two other hawthorn types: Crataegus succulenta and Crataegus crus-galli. One special kind of plumleaf hawthorn, called 'Prunifolia', has even won an award for being a great tree for smaller gardens!
Quick facts for kids Plumleaf hawthorn |
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| Genus: |
Crataegus
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| Species: |
persimilis
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Contents
What Does Plumleaf Hawthorn Look Like?
Plumleaf hawthorn trees can be shrubs or small trees. They usually grow about 5 to 6 meters (16 to 20 feet) tall. They spread out to form a nice, rounded shape.
Branches and Thorns
When the branches are new, they are smooth. After a year, the bark turns a brownish-purple color. Older parts of the tree become dull gray. The twigs have thorns that can be straight or curved. These thorns turn a shiny purplish-black after two years and can be 4 to 7 centimeters (1.5 to 2.7 inches) long. Usually, the older, thicker branches and the main trunk do not have thorns.
Leaves and Flowers
The leaves of the plumleaf hawthorn fall off in autumn. They are smooth and have a leathery feel. They are dark green and shaped like an oval or diamond, about 4 to 5 centimeters (1.5 to 2 inches) long. Their edges are slightly jagged.
In May, the tree produces pretty white flowers with five petals. The center of the flowers can be cream or pink.
Fruits and Autumn Colors
After the flowers, the tree grows small, bright red fruits called pomes. These fruits ripen in September or October. In the fall, the leaves change into amazing colors. They can turn deep yellow, fiery orange, bright red, and even purple! This makes the tree very popular for its autumn display.
How People Use Plumleaf Hawthorn
The 'Prunifolia' type of plumleaf hawthorn is often planted along streets. It's also a favorite in gardens because of its beautiful autumn colors. Because it grows very densely, it can be used to create a thick hedge or a windbreak to block strong winds.
Common Pests and Diseases
Like many plants, plumleaf hawthorn can sometimes get sick. It can be affected by a disease called fire blight, but it often has some natural protection against it. Small insects like hawthorn sawfly leaf miners might bother the leaves, but they usually don't cause serious harm to healthy trees. Other problems can include leaf spot, caterpillars, tiny gall mites, and aphids.
