Family: Rosaceae
Author: Lange
Bibliography: Bot. Tidsskr. 19: 264 (1895)
Year: 1895
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Crataegus
Vegetable: False
Observations: SE. Canada to NC. & E. U.S.A.
Description
Lange’s-thorn, scientifically known as Crataegus intricata, is a notable species within the Rosaceae family. First described by the eminent botanist Lange in 1895, the species has been documented in “Botanisk Tidsskrift,” a prominent botanical journal, showcasing its scientific importance and relevance.
This deciduous shrub is indigenous to southeastern Canada and extends its range to the eastern regions of the United States, reaching as far south as North Carolina. Crataegus intricata thrives in various habitats within this geographical range, often gracing open woodlands and thriving on the edges of forests. Its adaptive nature allows it to flourish in a range of soil types, although it generally prefers well-drained, loamy soils.
Lange’s-thorn is characterized by its intricate branching patterns and a dense thicket of thorny stems, providing shelter and food for various bird species. The leaves are typically unlobed, oval or elliptical, with serrated margins that offer a distinct texture. In spring, the shrub produces a profusion of small, white to pale pink flowers, which are not only attractive but also beneficial for pollinators like bees and butterflies. These blossoms give way to small, apple-like fruits known as haws in the summer and autumn months. The fruits are a rich source of nourishment for wildlife and have historically been utilized in traditional remedies and as food sources by indigenous peoples.
The ecological significance of Crataegus intricata extends beyond its role in native landscapes. The dense, thorny structure of Lange’s-thorn supports a variety of wildlife, providing shelter and protection from predators. Furthermore, the plant plays a crucial part in soil stabilization and preventing erosion, making it a valuable component of its natural ecosystem.
In horticulture, Lange’s-thorn is appreciated for its resilience and low maintenance requirements. It is often used as a natural barrier or hedge due to its dense growth and thorny branches, which can deter both human and animal intruders. Gardeners and landscapers value it for its ornamental properties, including vibrant autumn foliage and the attractive, persistent haws which add seasonal interest.
In summary, Lange’s-thorn (Crataegus intricata) represents a fascinating convergence of ecological function, historical significance, and ornamental appeal. Its descriptive history and broad adaptability make it an enduring subject of interest for botanists, ecologists, and gardeners alike.
Common Names
Eng: biltmore hawthorn, copenhagen hawthorn, lange’s-thorn, lange’s thorn, lange’s hawthorn
Swe: scharlakanshagtorn
Fra: aubépine intriquée
En: Lange’s-thorn, Copenhagen hawthorn, BILTMORE HAWTHORN, Lange’s Thorn, Lange’s hawthorn
Da: Skarlagen-Hvidtjørn
Fi: Amerikanorapihlaja
Fr: Aubépine intriquée
Pl: Głóg szkarłatny
Sv: Scharlakanshagtorn
Synonyms
- Crataegus biltmoreana var. stonei ((Sarg.) Kruschke)
- Crataegus biltmoreana (Beadle)
- Crataegus bissellii (Sarg.)
- Crataegus stonei (Sarg.)
- Crataegus craytonii (Beadle)
- Crataegus foetida (Ashe)
- Crataegus horseyi (E.J.Palmer)
- Mespilus wendlandii (Opiz)
- Crataegus communis (Beadle)
- Pyrus glandulosa (Moench)
- Mespilus biltmoreana ((Beadle) Daniels)
- Crataegus intricata var. horseyi ((E.J.Palmer) Lance)
- Crataegus ouachitensis var. minor (E.J.Palmer)
- Phaenopyrum wendlandii ((Opiz) M.Roem.)
- Crataegus intricata var. biltmoreana ((Beadle) Lance)
- Crataegus boyntonii var. buckleyi ((Beadle) Ashe)
- Crataegus boyntonii (Beadle)
- Crataegus buckleyi (Beadle)
- Crataegus verecunda (Sarg.)
- Crataegus verecunda var. gonocarpa (Peck)
- Crataegus padifolia var. incarnata (Sarg.)
- Crataegus apposita var. bissellii ((Sarg.) Eggl.)
- Crataegus intricata var. boyntonii ((Beadle) Kruschke)
- Crataegus confusa (Sarg.)
- Mespilus pyriformis (M.Roem.)
- Crataegus villicarpa (Sarg.)
Distribution
- Alabama (native)
- Arkansas (native)
- Connecticut (native)
- Delaware (native)
- Georgia (native)
- Illinois (native)
- Indiana (native)
- Kentucky (native)
- Maryland (native)
- Masachusettes (native)
- Michigan (native)
- Missouri (native)
- New Jersey (native)
- New York (native)
- North Carolina (native)
- Ohio (native)
- Ontario (native)
- Pennsylvania (native)
- Rhode I. (native)
- South Carolina (native)
- Tennessee (native)
- Vermont (native)
- Virginia (native)
- West Virginia (native)
- Wisconsin (native)
Additional Images
Leaf
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.
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:68456-2)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3014211)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Crataegus intricata Lange)
Specifications
Growth habit>: Shrub, Tree