SafePlants

Roundleaf Hawthorn

The Roundleaf Hawthorn, known for its notably circular leaf outlines, is a captivating plant with a rich history and diverse characteristics.

Considerations for Pets

• This plant has thorns approximately 1 inch long.

Considerations for Children

• This plant has thorns approximately 1 inch long.

Scientific Name and Nomenclature

• Accepted Scientific Name: Crataegus lumaria Ashe
• Common Names: Roundleaf Hawthorn, Fireberry Hawthorn, Red Haw
• Synonyms: Crataegus rotundifolia = Crataegus chrysocarpa, Crataegus chrysocarpa Ashe
• Family: Rosaceae (Rose Family)
• NRCS Symbol: CRCH
• ITIS #: 24548

Distribution and Habitat

• Native to North America.
• Found from Ontario to Virginia and Mississippi.
• Also reported from Connecticut, New York, Michigan, and southeastern Wisconsin.
• Locally common in extreme southwestern Ontario.

Morphological Characteristics

• Typically a round-topped shrub or small tree, growing 1 to 3 meters (approximately 6 to 10 feet) tall.
• Leaves are spirally arranged on long shoots and in clusters on spur shoots.
• Leaves are generally rounded, measuring from two to four inches in length, and alternate down the stem.
• Leaf margins are slightly serrated.
• Deciduous, with leaves sometimes pinkish-red when young, turning to red and gold in the autumn.
• White flowers found in clusters at the ends of branches.
• Red berry-like fruits.

Growth Habits

• Growth rate is average.
• Prefers partial exposure.

Ecological Role

• Native plant.
• Region 1 Wetland Indicator Status.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• Susceptible to rust fungus, which causes small yellow spots on leaves; this fungus can also affect junipers or red cedars, causing round, brown galls on leaves and twigs.

Further Information

• T.S. Bakshi Herbarium