Crataegus marshallii
in N. L. Britton and J. A. Shafer, N. Amer. Trees, 473. 1908.
Shrubs or trees, 20–80 dm. Stems 1-trunked; 1-year old twigs dark purple-brown, older dark, dull gray; thorns on twigs straight or slightly recurved, 1.5–3 cm, 3-years old dark and shiny, slender, 2–3 cm. Leaves: petiole long, pubescent; blade broadly ovate to deltate, 1.5–3 cm, base broadly cuneate to ± truncate, lobes 3 per side, narrow, margins serrate, particularly toward lobe apices, veins 7 or 8 per side (including those to sinuses), apex acute, surfaces hairy, especially along veins abaxially. Inflorescences 4–10-flowered; branches densely pubescent; bracteole margins short-stipitate-glandular. Flowers 12–17 mm diam.; hypanthium hairy; sepals narrowly triangular, margins slightly incised; stamens 20, anthers deep rose to red; styles 1 or 2(or 3). 2n = 34, 51.
Phenology: Flowering Mar–Apr; fruiting Sep–Nov.
Habitat: Alluvial and other woodlands, light shade, open areas, calcareous or mafic rock, uplands
Elevation: 10–500 m
Distribution
Ala., Ark., Fla., Ga., Ill., Ky., La., Miss., Mo., N.C., Okla., S.C., Tenn., Tex., Va.
Discussion
Crataegus marshallii is common in the southeastern United States; reports from Kansas are unconfirmed. The exfoliating bark is an attractive ornamental characteristic.
Crataegus apiifolia (Marshall) Michaux is an illegitimate name.
Selected References
None.