Broadleaf Hawthorn, Apple-leaf hawthorn
Crataegus dilatata
Family: Rosaceae
What it is like
A shrub or small tree. It has a straight trunk. The trunk is 10 cm across. The plant grows 6 m tall. The bark is grey-brown and scaly. The crown is rounded and branches are spreading. The leaves are 5-6 cm long and almost as wide. They are broadly oval and with a short point at the tip. They are notched or rounded at the base. There are usually several shallow lobes and double teeth. The leaves are hairy when young but become dark green and hairless above. They are paler underneath. The flowers are 2.5 cm wide. They have 5 white petals. There are 20 red stamens. Groups of 8-10 flowers occur in long hairy stalks. The fruit are 19 mm wide. They are bright red with dark dots. There are 5 seeds inside. They occur in drooping clusters.
There are 200 or more Crataegus species.
Where it is found
Temperate. It grows on the edges of salt marshes and near streams.
Countries/locations it is found in
Canada, North America, USA
How it is used for food
Edible parts
Fruit
How it is grown
Plants can be grown from seed. The seed need cold treatment. Plants can also be grafted.