What kind of tree is this?
- Thread starter Satguy
- Start date
Native Hunter
Well-Known Member
Cock-Spur Hawthorn
Satguy
Active Member
Is it edible or desirable by wildlife? I saw it along a state highway in a fence row towered over by big cedar trees. I first saw it 2 weeks ago while driving by and it had violet colored blooms at that time.
Native Hunter
Well-Known Member
Ruffed Grouse and a variety of songbirds eat the fruit. I'm not sure if turkeys would or not, but I would say "probably."
The flowers are great for pollinating insects.
Hawthorns have been propagated for ornamental species for a long time in this country. You can find blooms all different colors ranging from pure white, to violet to pink. That one was likely planted by a bird.
The flowers are great for pollinating insects.
Hawthorns have been propagated for ornamental species for a long time in this country. You can find blooms all different colors ranging from pure white, to violet to pink. That one was likely planted by a bird.
Satguy
Active Member
When I look up the pics of the cock spur hawthorn or other hawthorn the berries have longer stems like a cherry does but the pics I took the berries appear to be attached directly to the branch wood with no stems.
Native Hunter
Well-Known Member
I can't really see that in the pictures, but that may be the case. Since you were there, you got a better look.
Keep in mind that if it is a descendent of an ornamental variety from someone's yard, the characteristics like that can vary.
Satguy
Active Member
Thanks for your input. I am going to dig around on the web and see if I can find what variety of hawthorn it is.
Satguy
Active Member
I am going to revisit this tree in July to see if it grows longer stems on the berries as the summer goes on. I guess I can harvest some of the berries and direct plant the seeds and hope they will grow. I wonder if they are considered an invasive?
Native Hunter
Well-Known Member
When the leaves come on out you can tell for sure. Cock-spur leaves are different than most. In fact, the reason I said Cock-spur was because of how those new leaves coming out looked oval. But, they could come on out and look different.
Native Hunter
Well-Known Member
No, I've never heard of them being invasive, and yes, they are native.
Native Hunter
Well-Known Member
Two other possibilities are Winterberry and Possumhaw. When those leaves come on out you will be able to tell for sure.
Satguy
Active Member
The wife researched winterberry and it only produces berries during the winter. I am leaning toward possumhaw. In a couple weeks I am going back to see how the leaves look. I am planning to get some cuttings in June and try to grow them. Thanks for checking.
