Crataegus crus-galli

This is a small tree growing up to about 10 meters tall and 8 meters wide, rounded in form when young and spreading and flattening as it matures. The leaves are 5 to 6 centimeters long, glossy dark green in color and turning gold to red in the fall. The flowers are white and have a scent generally considered unpleasant. The fruits are small pomes that vary in colour, usually a shade of red. Most wild varieties of the tree are heavily armed in sharp thorns several centimeters long. ==Taxonomy==

It is thought to be the parent, along with Crataegus succulenta, of the tetraploid species Crataegus persimilis. ==Distribution and habitat==

It is native to eastern North America from Ontario to Texas to Florida. ==Cultivation==

This species is a popular ornamental tree, especially var. inermis, which lacks thorns. Many other wild forms would be very suitable for landscaping if better known, and yellow-fruited forms exist. ==Uses==

The fruit is edible and can be made into jelly or crushed to make tea. ==Images==

Image:Crataegus crus-galli flowers 1.jpg|C. crus-galli var. pyracanthifolia Image:Crataegus crus galli 3.jpg|C. crus-galli var. pyracanthifolia Image:Crataegus crus galli 2.jpg|Thorns on 2 to 3-year old branches Image:Crataegus crus galli 1.jpg|Branched thorns on the trunk Image:Crataeguscrusgalli.jpg|Seeds Image:Crataegus crus-galli fruit USDA-ARS.jpg|Preserved fruit ==See also==