The Hawthorn
During a presentation to the Botanical Center's Herb Group, someone asked about the Haw tree. Every group I talk to someone asks about the status of the Hawthorn tree or has a fond memory of our native Iowa Haw or what my grandmother called wild May apples.
Here in Dallas County, the Hawthorn has disappeared from roadside fence rows, but the tree can still be found in scrubby woods and brushy areas.
We have three species of Hawthorn trees at the Arboretum, part of our Native Iowa Collection. They are small trees, not particularly attractive, often plagued with cedar rust and other apple blights.
The photo above is of the Cockspur Hawthorn (Crataegus crus-galli) known for it's intense spurs. The Red Haw (Crataegus mollis) and Fleshy Hawthorn (Crataegus succulenta) are also part of the Hawthorn collection.
We sometimes ask ourselves why we have dedicated a place for the lowly, plain Hawthorn and its cousin the Iowa Crabapple (Malus Ioensis) until someone remembers and asks. Its good to be able to say yes, it's right here.