Crataegus - Hawthorn
Rosaceae
Our Crataegus
It is not known exactly how many hawthorn species exist in the temperate zones. The data available vary from 200 to 1200 species. Since hawthorn is a 'restless’ tree, i.e., constantly changing by hybridizing, 200 is more likely.
Regardless of that, hawthorn is a quite diverse specie in its foliage and growth form and also very adaptable to diverse local situations. It is a very robust and insensitive trees that is indispensable in the biological cycle as a nourishing and protective tree for countless animal species.