Page 149 - Forest Trees of Maine

WTHORN

HA

H Crataegus spp. L.

awthorn, or thorn-apple, occurs
Hin Maine as a low spreading tree
or shrub that rarely reaches a height
of more than 15–18 feet. There are
approximately 22 different species
found in the state. Hawthorns can
usually be recognized by the small
apple-like fruits and the thorns on the
branches. In the past, hawthorns were
planted as hedges in place of fencing.
The bark is dark brown to ashy
gray and somewhat scaly. The fruit of the hawthorn
The leaves are alternate, doubly- is used for jellies and bird food.
toothed, and usually somewhat lobed,
thin and dark green. The wood is heavy, hard and
The flowers appear about the first close-grained. It is used to some extent
of June in flat, showy white clusters. for handles and other small articles.
The fruit, which is ¾ inch in
diameter, resembles a small apple. The
flesh is thin, mealy and encloses 1–5
rounded nutlets. It is used for jellies
and bird food.
The twigs are slender, rigid and
usually armed with long thorns. They
form a compact crown due to their
AREA OF
zigzag method of growth. OCCURRENCE
HA W THORN 147