Crataegus flava

Crataegus flava

Crataegus flava
familia	Rosaceae
genus	Crataegus
subfamilia	{{{subfamilia}}}
species	C. flava
binomial	Crataegus flava
binomial_authority	Aiton
unranked_ordo	Rosids
unranked_classis	Eudicots
ordo	Rosales
regnum	Plantae

Crataegus flava, commonly known as yellow hawthorn, is a species of flowering plant in the family Rosaceae. It is native to North America, specifically found in the eastern and central parts of the United States.

Description

Crataegus flava is a deciduous shrub or small tree that can reach a height of up to 10 meters. It has a rounded crown and thorny branches. The leaves are alternate, simple, and have serrated margins. They are dark green in color and turn yellow in the fall. The flowers are small, white, and appear in clusters in late spring. The fruit is a small, yellow pome that ripens in the late summer or early fall.

Habitat and Distribution

Yellow hawthorn is commonly found in open woodlands, thickets, and along forest edges. It prefers well-drained soils and can tolerate a wide range of soil types. It is most commonly found in the eastern and central parts of the United States, including states such as Ohio, Kentucky, Tennessee, and Georgia.

Uses

Crataegus flava has several uses in landscaping and horticulture. It is often planted as an ornamental tree due to its attractive flowers and fall foliage. The fruit of the yellow hawthorn is also consumed by birds and small mammals. Additionally, the plant has been used in traditional medicine for its potential cardiovascular benefits.

Conservation Status

The conservation status of Crataegus flava is currently not assessed. However, as with many native plant species, habitat loss and fragmentation pose potential threats to its populations.