Small native tree with a rounded form. Showy white 1″ flowers in clusters in late April-early May. These, as well as other native hawthorn flowers represent the Missouri state flower. Showy, round, red (1/2 -1″) fruits form in late Aug.-Sept. When present, the thorns are 2″ long and slender. Leaves are medium green, downy above and especially below, along the margins. Fall color is yellow to burgundy.
Native Plant Database
Header Photo: Mervin Wallace
Downy Hawthorn
Crataegus mollis
Plant Type: Trees
Native Environment: Savanna / Woodland
Season of Interest: Mid (May - June), Late (July - frost), Winter (Nov - Mar)
Main Color: White
Fall Color:
USDA PLANTS Range Map
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Sun Exposure
Full Sun, Medium Sun/Average Shade
Soil
Moisture
Dry, Moderate
Nature Attracting
Pollinators/Beneficial Insects
Wildlife Benefit
Cover, Food/Birds, Food/Small Animals, Nesting
Animal
Resistance
Deer Resistant
Size
Height:
20 to
30
feet
Spread:
20 to
30
feet
Size
Height: 20 to
30
feet
Spread: 20 to
30
feet
Size
Height: 20 to
30
feet
Spread: 20 to
30
feet
Typical Landscape Use
A great small tree with early,mid and late season interest!
Establishment and Care Instructions
Full sun to part shade, dry to moderate soil moisture. Susceptible to leaf spot and rust some years.
Special Features
Interesting Bark
Special Usage
Basic Description
Where Should I Start?
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What’s the Next Step?
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Where Can I Find This Plant in Nature?
Learn about the Native Environment(s) inhabited by the plants in this database.