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Carolina hawthorn
Scientific Name: Crataegus arcana
Family: Rosaceae
Category: Dicot
Growth: Tree, Shrub
Duration: Perennial
Other Names:
Hawthorn (Crataegus)
Hawthorn, belonging to the genus Crataegus, encompasses a wide variety of shrubs and trees. Common names include thornapple, May-tree, whitethorn, and hawberry.
Considerations for Pets
- Many species of Crataegus, including those referred to as "thornapple" have thorns.
- Hawthorn berries, also known as "hawberries", are produced by many species in this genus.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Crataegus (genus)
- Common Names: Hawthorn, thornapple, May-tree, whitethorn, hawberry
- Family: Rosaceae
- Crataegus arcana and Crataegus berberifolia var. berberifolia are mentioned as species within the Crataegus genus.
Distribution and Habitat
- Native to Carolina.
- Forms most of the hawthorn forests and thickets seen in the high elevations of the North Carolina Blue Ridge, usually in openings of Red Spruce (Picea rubens).
Ecological Role
- Carolina Buckthorn (Frangula caroliniana) is noted as a good substitute for more invasive plants like Chinese privet and Bush honeysuckle.
Morphological Characteristics
- Hawthorns are described as large shrubs and trees.
- Some species have thorns.
Traditional Uses
- Hawthorn berries of European species have been used since ancient times.
- Hawthorn berries are traditionally used for well-being and as a cardiovascular tonic.
Related Species
- Indian hawthorn (Raphiolepis species) is mentioned as an evergreen foundation planting.