Fireberry hawthorn
Crataegus chrysocarpa

Family: Rosaceae

What it is like

A shrub or small tree. It grows to 6 m tall. The leaves are small and about 4 cm long. They are almost round. They are lobed and have teeth. The thorns are about 6 cm long and blackish. They are slender and straight. The flowers are 15 mm wide. They have 5 white petals. There are 5-10 pale yellow stamens. The fruit are hairy. They are 10-15 mm across. They are normally deep red. The fruit stalk is hairy.

There are 200 or more Crataegus species.

Where it is found

Temperate. It grows in moist valleys. It is best in a sunny position. It is resistant to frost and drought. It suits hardiness zones 5-9.

Countries/locations it is found in

Australia, Canada, North America, USA

How it is used for food

The fruit are eaten in times of food shortage.

Edible parts

Fruit

How it is grown

Plants can be grown from seed. The seed need cold treatment. Plants can also be grafted.

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Crataegus rotundifolia;