SafePlants

Dotted Hawthorn (Crataegus punctata)

The dotted hawthorn, scientifically known as Crataegus punctata, is a native tree found throughout much of the eastern United States. It is also known by the common names white haw or white thorn.

Considerations for Pets

• This plant has stout spines that can extend up to 3 inches long.

Considerations for Children

• This plant has stout spines that can extend up to 3 inches long.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Crataegus punctata Jacq.
• Common Names: Dotted Hawthorn, White Haw, White Thorn
• Family: Rosaceae (Rose Family)
• Synonyms:
  • Crataegus collina
  • Crataegus collina Chapm.
• Also listed as:
  • C. pausiaca.
  • C. pau. var. canescens
  • C. pun. var. xanthocarpa

Distribution and Habitat

• Native to most of the eastern U.S.
• Uncommon in North Carolina, but found at higher elevations in the Mountains.
• Habitats include open rocky ground, thickets, and pastures.
• Often found with Fanleaf Hawthorn (C. macrosperma) at higher elevations, forming hawthorn forests.
• Hardiness zone 3.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• Deciduous tree.
• Typically grows to 20-35 feet tall, but can reach 40 feet.
• Spreads to 30-40 feet wide.
• Flat-topped, thorny, and horizontal-branching habit.
• Usually wider than tall at maturity.
• Branches have mostly straight thorns 2-3 inches in length.
• Leaves have deeply impressed veins.
• The fruits (haws) are red and speckled with white dots.
• Showy white flowers bloom in May.
• Foliage is gray-green.
• Fall color is purplish-red.
• Rounded form.

Quirky Facts

• The common name "dotted hawthorn" refers to the white dots that speckle the red fruits.
• The Champion Dotted Hawthorn of Pennsylvania was recognized by American Forests in 2008 as the largest known tree of its kind.