Crataegus texana

Distribution

Crataegus texana is a native species to the United States. It has a limited range, growing in only nine or ten counties of the coastal plain and south-central Texas regions. It can be found in the rich bottomlands and river bottoms in the Gulf Prairies and marshes and in rich sandy clay loams of the Post Oak Savannah and Rio Grande Plains.

Habitat and ecology

Crataegus texana usually grows in bottomland soil near an intermittent water source. It can, however, be found to grow in fencerows as well as in areas with heavy deciduous shrub and vine growth. It has a moderate heat tolerance and needs only a modest amount of water. It can grow in areas with partial sunlight and has adaptable soil requirements."Crataegus texana" is a deciduous tree meaning that it sheds its leaves every year.

Morphology

Crataegus texana is a perennial tree that grows to be about 25 feet tall and has long, sharp thorns. It has shiny, dark green leaves that can grow to be between 0.75 and 1.5 inches long. Its simple leaves have toothed leaf margins with a parallel veination. Their leaves are ovate in shape, acute at the apex, and cuneate at the base.

Flowers and fruit

Flowers of Crataegus texana grow in flat-topped clusters of five white petals to be about 0.50-0.75 inches wide.

Food

The edible fruits are sometimes cooked into jams and jellies. Also, upon distillation, the Texas hawthorn can be used to make liquors. Mostly, however, birds depend on its fruit for survival through the winter months, and some mammals, such as squirrels, opossums, and raccoons, also savor them. Crataegus texana is also of special value to native bees. It is recognized by pollination ecologists as attracting large numbers of native bees.

References

References

1. Phipps, J.B.. (2015). "Flora of North America North of Mexico". Oxford University Press.
2. Wrede, Jan. (2010). "Trees, Shrubs, and Vines of the Texas Hill Country". Everbest Printing Co..
3. "Texas Hawthorn".
4. "Native Plant Database". Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
5. Stahl, Carmine. (2003). "Trees of Texas". College Station: Texas A&M University Press.
6. "Pome".
7. Little, Elbert L.. (1980). "The Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Trees: Eastern Region". Knopf.