BOTANICAL: Crataegus oxyacantha (syn. C. laevigata)

PRONOUNCED: krah-TEE-gus ok-see-a-KAN-tho

Click on the pic for a close up.

COMMON: Hawthorn, May, Quickset, Whitehorn. BLOOMS BERRIES LIGHT ZONE White or pink. Red Part shade to full sun 5 - 7 SIZE: 20 ft. - 35 ft. TYPE: Deciduous small tree or large shrub PRUNING: All straggly growth should be cut back every winter. USE: A dense casual hedge, or along a wooded area. SOIL: May be grown in any but wet soil. COMMENTS: A genus of the rose family, Crataegus is recognized to have about 280 species found in northern temperate regions. It grows quickly to 20 ft., then the crown expands. The main ornamental feature is white or pink flowers borne in late May, follow by red fruit. Very deep rooted, long lived and often used to prevent corrosion. The following are grown for their decorative value: C. monogyna C. aurea, yellow fruit; 'Plena', double white flowers; C. 'Punicea', single red flowers; C. 'Rosea', single pink scented flowers. C. azarolua bears large edible fruit. C. crus-galli, 'Cockspur thorn', is a small tree with prominent spines, the leaves turn scarlet in the fall.