Thornapple Crataegus mollis

Crataegus, or Hawthorn, is a genus containing many species and varieties. The small tree or shrub can be found in the low swamps and river bottoms of the east and the higher mountain ridges of the west. Crataegus mollis, commonly called Downy hawthorn, is a handsome tree with tall trunk and compact, rounded crown of spreading branches, large broad hairy leaves, many large flowers, and large scarlet fruit. Downy hawthorn is a wide-spreading tree, 20-40 feet in height, with a 1 to 1 1/2 foot diameter, horizontal branching and varying degrees of thorniness. The bark of the short trunk is silvery and scaly. It usually has a single trunk, but multi-trunk specimens do appear.

One of the largest trees of its genus, Downy Hawthorn was originally called White Thorn. It was introduced into European gardens as early as 1683. The common and Latin species names both refer to the soft hairy foliage.

Downy Hawthorn grows well in moist, fertile soil in full sun, but does tolerate wet soils, heavy clay, and partial shade. It will also tolerate drought and alkaline soil, but does not do well in salt air. This tree is rounded to wide-spreading with varying degrees of thorniness.  Its native habitat includes woodland borders, alluvial thickets, sandy hillsides, fields, and roadsides.  It is deer resistant. While relatively few 1/2 inch long thorns appear on the branches, it should not be planted in areas frequented by children. It tolerates pruning and will resprout if cut back to very old wood and, thus, can be useful as a hedge.

Diseases, Pests, and Other Plant Problems:  

The leaves are vulnerable to cedar-hawthorn rust, scab, and leaf blight. As a result, the leaves are often battered from disease by the end of summer and drop early. it should not be planted near red cedar.