Crataegus phaenopyrum Washington thorn

Crataegus phaenopyrum in flower outside Mars. Sairus Patel, 2 Jun 2023

Crataegus phaenopyrum fruit and leaves, Lasuen Mall south of Braun Music Center. Sairus Patel, 19 Oct 2017

This native American hawthorn has clusters of white hanging flowers followed by red fruits. As winter comes on, the lobed 2½-inch shiny leaves turn red or orange, and after they fall, the fruit remains. The leaves differ noticeably from the hawthorns; they have the same number of lobes, three to five, but they are sharply pointed. The fruits are about the same size, ¼ inch or more, and contain five stones.

About a dozen line Lasuen Mall south of Braun Music Center. There are handsome specimens on Santa Fe Avenue at 844 Esplanada Way and on the right at 680 Salvatierra Street. Squirrels are apt to make a mess in winter nibbling at the fruit.

Crataegus phaenopyrum leaves and ripening fruit, Lasuen Mall south of Braun Music Center. John Rawlings, ca. 2005