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.^[4] Most wild varieties^[specify] of the tree are heavily armed in sharp thorns several centimeters long.^{[citation needed]}

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

It is native to eastern North America from Ontario to Texas to Florida.^[5][4]

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.^[4]

The fruit is edible and can be made into jelly or crushed to make tea.^[6]

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  C. crus-galli var. pyracanthifolia
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  C. crus-galli var. pyracanthifolia
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  Thorns on 2 to 3-year old branches
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  Branched thorns on the trunk
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  Seeds
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  Preserved fruit

• List of hawthorn species with yellow fruit
• Crataegus × lavalleei