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TOPIC: Hawthorn Dilemmas
http://groups.google.com/group/entstrees/browse_thread/thread/ddc2cc2811e3a27d?hl=en 
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== 1 of 2 ==
Date: Tues, Oct 9 2007 6:51 pm
From: "Edward Frank"


ENTS,

Hawthorns are a pain in the (rear), and not just if you back into them. In Celtic lore http://www.paghat.com/hawthornmyths.html  the fairies had an affinity for the hawthorn which was one of the Three Sacred Trees, along with Oak & Ash. To this day in Ireland & Wales there are those who make hawthorn wreaths to leave out either for the fairies or for angels. http://ohioline.osu.edu/b700/b700_40.html  Hawthorns are small, deciduous trees. Most hawthorns are armed. Leaves are alternately arranged with toothed or lobed margins. Flowers are perfect and often showy. Fruit is a pome. These trees are difficult to identify at any time, but especially so in the winter. One site http://dnr.wi.gov/forestry/TreeID/OtherKeys/crataeguskey.htm  comments: This group is an extremely large one with over 1,000 names having been applied to the North American forms. There is little agreement as to the differentiation of species and hybrids. For accurate identification, both flowering material and material with ripe fruit must be carefully examined. Leaf descriptions for this genus refer to leaves on branches where flowers or fruit are also present. Wherever possible, specimens should be collected and preserved for future reference. The Wisconsin list http://wisplants.uwsp.edu/scripts/SearchResults.asp?Genus=Crataegus  presents a preferred name along with long lists of synonyms trying to reconcile the numerous names for the individual species.

Dale and I struggled through these various on-line references and book references, before identifying the species we found as Dotted Hawthorn http://www.nativetreesociety.org/fieldtrips/penna/kingkibbes/ariw4_2007.htm  and http://www.nativetreesociety.org/fieldtrips/penna/ariw2007/ariw2007c.htm  We both feel confident in the identification, but it was a struggle.

here are some online references to the genus:

http://www.paghat.com/hawthornmyths.html 

http://ohioline.osu.edu/b700/b700_40.html 

From various keys - Crab apples (malus) have leaves on thorns/ thorns leafless = hawthorn (crataegus)

[Here is a neat chart for maple species: http://www.maple-trees.com/pages/maple-tree-identification.php  It keys out how to tell black from sugar maple.]

http://biosurvey.ou.edu/shrub/crat-pun.htm 

http://www.googlesyndicatedsearch.com/u/OBS?q=crataegus&sa=Google+Search 

http://www.dnr.state.oh.us/tabid/5369/default.aspx 

Leaf Identification Features
The leaves of the many species and hybrids of Hawthorns vary greatly in shape. Those of Dotted Hawthorn (Crataegus punctata) are distinctive in that they are narrow and obovate, with prominent veins. (see attached above)


Those of many other Hawthorns are approximated by a leaf shape that is ovate with several shallow lobes and many serrations. Fall color is usually green to chartreuse on the many species and their natural hybrids.


http://dnr.wi.gov/forestry/TreeID/OtherKeys/crataeguskey.htm 

http://dnr.wi.gov/forestry/TreeID/TreePgs/crataegus.htm 

http://wisplants.uwsp.edu/scripts/SearchResults.asp?Genus=Crataegus 

http://www.uwgb.edu/biodiversity/herbarium/trees/crataegus01.htm 

http://www.bonsaitreeforums.com/forums/bonsai-trees-forum/5532-dotted-hawthorn.html 

http://project.bio.iastate.edu/trees/campustrees/CrataegusSp/Crataeg_info.html 

http://ohioline.osu.edu/b700/b700_40.html 


Edward Frank

== 2 of 2 ==
Date: Tues, Oct 9 2007 9:35 pm
From: James Parton


Great, Frank!!

I am glad to see you bring attention to the lowly hawthorn. They are
in fact, one of my favorite trees. I have studied much on the Celtic
lore & legends surrounding them. It is very fascinating. Outside of the
Hawthorn, Oak & Ash. Rowan ( Mountain Ash ) and Hazel was revered by
them. Hazel was their " Tree of Knowledge ".

I chose hawthorn for my hiking stick because of its uniqueness.

Hawthorn Ent, James Parton.