SafePlants

Cerro Hawthorn (Crataegus erythropoda)

The Cerro Hawthorn, scientifically known as Crataegus erythropoda, is a fascinating plant with a rich history and diverse distribution. This page provides information about its characteristics, habitat, and more.

Common Names

• Cerro Hawthorn
• Frosted Hawthorn (Crataegus pruinosa) - Note that the text associates this name with Crataegus pruinosa rather than Crataegus erythropoda directly.
• Thornapple
• Shinyleaf Hawthorn

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Crataegus erythropoda Ashe
• Family: Rosaceae (Rose Family)
• Order: Rosales
• Genus: Crataegus L. (hawthorns, aubpines)
• Plant Symbol: CRER

Distribution and Habitat

• The Cerro Hawthorn is native to North America.
• It grows from Washington to Wyoming, and south to Arizona and New Mexico.
• It can be found in open fields, hillsides, streams, and moist canyons.
• It often grows on dry hillsides.

Morphological Characteristics

• The Cerro Hawthorn can be a shrub (up to 9 feet tall) or a small tree (up to 20 feet tall).
• Fruits are elongated and range in color from red to blackish.
• Flowers are white and about an inch across.
• Leaves are serrated.

Quirky Facts

• The name "Cerro" comes from the Spanish word for "hill" and originates from specimens collected at Cerro Summit, Colorado.
• A specific Cerro Hawthorn in Arizona was recognized as the largest known tree of its species by American Forests in 2007.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• The fruit of hawthorns, including the Cerro Hawthorn, serves as an important food source for various organisms.

Further Information

• USDA NRCS National Plant Data Center: http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=CRER
• Discover Life: Discover Life's page about Crataegus erythropoda