Hawthorn

Hawthorn (Crataegus), an attractive deciduous tree that belongs to the rose family, consists of hundreds of varieties. Although most grow to mature heights of 15 to 30 feet, some varieties are suitable for shrubs while others reach heights of 45 feet. Hawthorn is distinguished by its sharp, woody thorns and serrated leaves. In spring, the tree is covered with clusters of flowers in shades of white or pink, depending on the variety. Small, yellow or red apple-like fruit, often called thorn apples or haws, ripen in autumn. The gray or reddish-brown bark of the Hawthorn tree provides texture to the garden, and some varieties turn a vibrate shade of orange-bronze in autumn.