Crataegus macracantha - Web page Navigation - Large-thorn Hawthorn Page

Discover the remarkable Crataegus macracantha, commonly known as Large-thorn Hawthorn, a native North American woody perennial renowned for its impressive defensive features and charming aesthetics. Stretching east of the Cascades in Washington and across the U.S. and Canada to the Atlantic, this adaptable plant thrives in diverse habitats such as thickets, riparian zones, and pastoral landscapes. As May heralds the arrival of spring, this species adorns itself with brilliant white, five-petaled flowers organized in flat-topped clusters, each bloom showcasing 6 to 10 elegant stamens with pink or white anthers.

Large-thorn Hawthorn is easily distinguished by its imposing, slightly curved thorns, which can reach up to 4 inches in length, making it a formidable choice for living fences. Its leaves are broadly elliptic, featuring toothed edges and subtle lobing, lending an intricate texture to its lush greenery. As autumn approaches, the plant produces small, fleshy, crimson fruits that add vibrant color to its robust branches. While not colony-forming, this non-suckering shrub or small tree embodies resilience, standing strong against the elements with a mature bark that splits into elegant narrow plates.

A botanical gem, Crataegus macracantha’s combination of beauty and formidable spines make it an asset in both natural and disturbed environments. Its remarkable thorns and ornamental fruits ensure it remains one of the most visually striking and functionally robust hawthorn species in North America.