Fire-berry hawthorn (Crataegus chrysocarpa, North Carolina Agric. Exp. Sta. Bull. 175:110. 1900)

Family: Rosaceae

Author: Ashe

Bibliography: North Carolina Agric. Exp. Sta. Bull. 175:110. 1900

Year: 1900

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Crataegus

Vegetable: False

Observations: Canada to N. & WC. U.S.A.

Description

Fire-berry hawthorn, scientifically known as Crataegus chrysocarpa, is a striking member of the Rosaceae family. First detailed in North Carolina Agricultural Experiment Station Bulletin No. 175, authored by Ashe in 1900, this plant commands attention with its distinctive characteristics and broad geographical presence.

This deciduous shrub or small tree is native to the vast regions spanning Canada to the northern and west-central United States. The fire-berry hawthorn thrives in various habitats, showcasing its adaptability and resilience in different environmental conditions.

One of the most alluring features of the Crataegus chrysocarpa is its vibrant display of berries. As the name “fire-berry” suggests, this plant produces clusters of vivid, fiery red fruits that garnish the branches, creating a striking contrast against the green foliage. These berries not only add to the aesthetic appeal of this hawthorn but also attract a variety of wildlife, including birds that feast on the fruits.

The fire-berry hawthorn’s elegant white blossoms emerge in the spring, making it a favorite among gardeners and landscapers. These flowers, grouped in corymbs, provide a delicate beauty and are essential for pollinators like bees, which play a crucial role in the ecosystem.

In addition to its visual appeal, Crataegus chrysocarpa is appreciated for its hardy nature. It can withstand harsh winters and thrives in well-drained soils, making it a suitable choice for various landscapes, from urban settings to naturalized plantings.

This hawthorn species, with its robust structure, also offers practical benefits. It can serve as a protective hedge or windbreak, providing shelter and privacy where needed. Furthermore, its dense growth habit and thorny branches make it a natural barrier against unwelcome intrusions.

In summary, the fire-berry hawthorn is not only a plant of ornamental value but also one of ecological and practical significance. Its adaptability, vibrant berries, and delicate flowers make Crataegus chrysocarpa a noteworthy species within the Rosaceae family, admired across its native range from Canada to the northern and west-central United States.

Common Names

Eng: fire-berry hawthorn, fireberry hawthorn, round-leaved hawthorn
Swe: eldhagtorn
Fra: aubépine dorée, aubépine à feuilles rondes, aubépine à pommes dorées
Nno: eldhagtorn
Nob: ildhagtorn
En: Fire-berry hawthorn, Red haw, Fireberry hawthorn, Round-leaved hawthorn
Fr: Aubépine dorée, Aubépine à feuilles rondes, Aubépine à pommes dorées
Nb: Ildhagtorn
Nn: Eldhagtorn
Sv: Eldhagtorn

Synonyms

• Crataegus horrida var. chrysocarpa ((Ashe) Cinovskis)
• Crataegus columbiana var. chrysocarpa ((Ashe) Dorn)
• Oxyacantha chrysocarpa ((Ashe) Lunell)
• Crataegus rotundifolia var. chrysocarpa ((Ashe) Eggl.)

Distribution

• Alberta (native)
• British Columbia (native)
• Colorado (native)
• Connecticut (native)
• Illinois (native)
• Iowa (native)
• Maine (native)
• Manitoba (native)
• Maryland (native)
• Masachusettes (native)
• Michigan (native)
• Minnesota (native)
• Missouri (native)
• Montana (native)
• New Brunswick (native)
• New Hampshire (native)
• New Mexico (native)
• New York (native)
• Newfoundland (native)
• North Dakota (native)
• Nova Scotia (native)
• Ohio (native)
• Ontario (native)
• Oregon (native)
• Pennsylvania (native)
• Prince Edward I. (native)
• Québec (native)
• Rhode I. (native)
• Saskatchewan (native)
• South Dakota (native)
• Utah (native)
• Vermont (native)
• Washington (native)
• Wisconsin (native)
• Wyoming (native)
• Central European Rus (introduced)

Additional Images

Leaf

Taken Sep 30, 2020 by Diego Alex (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 30, 2020 by Diego Alex (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Sep 30, 2020 by Diego Alex (cc-by-sa)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Flower

Taken May 28, 2022 by Jean Bernier (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:723119-1)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3015853)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Crataegus chrysocarpa Ashe)

Specifications

Growth habit>: Tree, Shrub

Growth