About Crataegus crus-galli L.
Crataegus crus-galli L. is a small tree that reaches up to around 10 meters in height and 8 meters in width. It has a rounded shape when young, becoming broader and flatter-topped as it matures. Its leaves are 5 to 6 centimeters long, glossy dark green, and turn from gold to red in autumn. The tree produces white flowers with a scent that is generally regarded as unpleasant. Its fruits are small pomes, most commonly a shade of red, though their color can vary, and yellow-fruited forms also exist. Most wild varieties of this tree have many large, sharp thorns that are several centimeters long. This species is native to eastern North America, where its natural range extends from Ontario to Texas to Florida. It is widely grown as a popular ornamental tree, particularly the variety var. inermis, which has no thorns. Many other wild forms of the tree would also work very well for landscaping if they were more widely recognized. The fruit of Crataegus crus-galli L. is edible, and can be processed into jelly, or crushed to make tea.
