Family: Rosaceae
Author: Schrad. ex Link
Bibliography: Handbuch 2:78. 1831
Year: 1937
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Crataegus
Vegetable: Unknown
Observations: C. & E. Canada to WC. & E. U.S.A.
Description
The Succulent Hawthorn, scientifically named Crataegus succulenta, is a deciduous shrub or small tree belonging to the Rosaceae family. First documented in 1831 in the “Handbuch 2:78” by Schrad. ex Link, this plant is native to various regions across North America.
Characterized by its resilience, the Succulent Hawthorn is found in both Central and Eastern Canada and stretches onward to the Western Central and Eastern regions of the United States. This geographical adaptability is a testament to the plant’s hardiness in diverse climates and soil types.
The Succulent Hawthorn is visually distinguished by its lush, green foliage, and in particular, its clusters of small, white flowers that bloom in the spring. These blossoms later give way to vibrant red berries, which not only add to the plant’s aesthetic appeal but also attract various bird species, contributing to local ecosystems.
In landscape design, Crataegus succulenta is appreciated for its ornamental value, often incorporated into gardens and parks for its striking seasonal changes and relatively low maintenance. It also plays a valuable role in hedgerows or as a natural barrier due to its thorny branches, providing both beauty and functionality.
In addition to its ornamental and ecological benefits, the Succulent Hawthorn holds some practical uses. The berries, though not commonly consumed by humans today, have a history of usage in traditional medicines and as a food source by indigenous peoples.
Overall, the Succulent Hawthorn is a noteworthy plant for both its aesthetic qualities and its contribution to biodiversity, making it a cherished species in the flora of North America.
Common Names
Eng: fleshy hawthorn, round-fruit cockspurthorn, succulent hawthorn
Fra: aubépine succulente
En: Succulent hawthorn, Round-fruit cockspurthorn, Fleshy hawthorn, Round-fruited Cockspurthorn
Hy: Սզնի խոշորափուշ
Fi: Koralliorapihlaja
Fr: Aubépine succulente
Ru: Боярышник сочный
Cy: Draenen wen aeron crynion
Synonyms
- Crataegus glandulosa succulenta ((Schrad. ex Link) Lauche)
- Crataegus glandulosa var. succulenta ((Schrad. ex Link) K.Koch)
Distribution
- Colorado (native)
- Connecticut (native)
- Illinois (native)
- Indiana (native)
- Iowa (native)
- Kentucky (native)
- Maine (native)
- Manitoba (native)
- Maryland (native)
- Masachusettes (native)
- Michigan (native)
- Minnesota (native)
- Missouri (native)
- Montana (native)
- New Hampshire (native)
- New York (native)
- North Carolina (native)
- Ohio (native)
- Ontario (native)
- Pennsylvania (native)
- Québec (native)
- Rhode I. (native)
- Tennessee (native)
- Vermont (native)
- West Virginia (native)
- Wisconsin (native)
- France (introduced)
- Great Britain (introduced)
Additional Images
Leaf
Taken Aug 30, 2018 by Tela Botanica − Pascal Ollagnier (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 30, 2018 by Pascal Ollagnier (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 30, 2020 by Diego Alex (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 28, 2020 by Pralambary (cc-by-sa)
Fruit
Taken Aug 30, 2018 by Pascal Ollagnier (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 28, 2022 by Oldneo (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 30, 2018 by Tela Botanica − Pascal Ollagnier (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 30, 2020 by Emi F (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 28, 2020 by Pralambary (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken Sep 30, 2020 by Diego Alex (cc-by-sa)
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:69052-2)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3016137)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Crataegus succulenta Schrad. ex Link)