Crataegus craytonii

Shrubs, 20–30 dm. Stems: twigs: new growth reddish green, densely hairy, 1–2-years old dark gray-brown, older gray; thorns on twigs ± straight, 2-years old blackish, very slender, 2–3 cm. Leaves: petiole 1–2 mm wide, length 25–40% blade, winged distally, pubescent, glandular; blade ovate to broadly elliptic, 4–8 cm, base cuneate to truncate (suddenly narrowed to petiole), lobes 3 or 4 per side often obscure, sinuses sometimes quite deep, lobe apex acute, margins strongly serrate, teeth gland-tipped, veins 5 per side, apex acute, surfaces rough-hairy. Inflorescences 3–7-flowered; branches pubescent; bracteole margins stipitate-glandular. Pedicels pubescent. Flowers 20 mm diam.; hypanthium densely pubescent; sepals 7 mm, margins glandular-pectinate to glandular-serrate, abaxially pubescent; stamens 20, anthers pale yellow or cream; styles 3–5. Pomes red to ruddy, broadly ellipsoid, 7–10 mm diam., pubescent; sepals on collar, ± reflexed; pyrenes 3–5.

Phenology: Flowering Apr; fruiting Sep–Oct.
Habitat: Wooded areas
Elevation: 100–300 m

Ala., Ga., N.C., Va.

Discussion

Of conservation concern.

Crataegus craytonii is a rare shrub from a few scattered localities. The species resembles C. biltmoreana in its hairiness but has usually larger, differently shaped leaves, 20 stamens, and red to ruddy pomes.

Selected References

None.

Lower Taxa