''Crataegus brainerdii'' is a species of hawthorn in the family

Rosaceae Rosaceae (), the rose family, is a family of flowering plants that includes 4,828 known species in 91 genera. The name is derived from the type genus '' Rosa''. The family includes herbs, shrubs, and trees. Most species are deciduous, but som ...

, known by the common name Brainerd's hawthorn. It is native to eastern North America, including parts of eastern Canada and the eastern and midwestern United States.''Crataegus brainerdii''
NatureServe.''Crataegus brainerdii''
USDA NRCS Plant Guide. The species is named in honor of Ezra Brainerd (1844–1924), a botanist and former president of

Middlebury College Middlebury College is a Private university, private Liberal arts colleges in the United States, liberal arts college in Middlebury, Vermont, United States. Founded in 1800 by Congregationalism in the United States, Congregationalists, Middlebury w ...

Vermont Vermont () is a U.S. state, state in the New England region of the Northeastern United States. It borders Massachusetts to the south, New Hampshire to the east, New York (state), New York to the west, and the Provinces and territories of Ca ...

Description

''Crataegus brainerdii'' is a deciduous shrub or small tree that typically reaches heights of 20 to 30 feet (6 to 9 meters). It has a rounded crown and densely branching habit. The plant is armed with numerous stout thorns that may be up to 1.6 inches (4 cm) long. The leaves are simple, alternate, and serrated, measuring up to 3 inches (7.5 cm) long. They are broadly ovate to triangular, with occasional shallow lobes. Young leaves are hairy, especially on the undersides. Flowering occurs in late spring. The inflorescences are corymbs containing clusters of white flowers, each about 0.5 inch (1.25 cm) across. These give way to rounded, red pomes (fruits) about 0.4–0.6 inches (1–1.5 cm) in diameter. The fruit is fleshy, juicy, and persists into the winter, providing food for wildlife.

Habitat and ecology

Brainerd's hawthorn is found in a variety of habitats including forest edges, old fields, roadsides, and open woodlands. It is adaptable to different soil types and moisture conditions. Though it prefers well-drained soils and full sun, it is tolerant of wet soils and moderate drought conditions. Its fruit is an important food source for birds and mammals in the fall and winter, making it valuable for wildlife support. It also provides cover and nesting sites for birds.

Uses

This hawthorn species is utilized in landscaping and restoration projects. It is particularly useful as a

windbreak A windbreak (shelterbelt) is a planting usually made up of one or more rows of trees or shrubs planted in such a manner as to provide shelter from the wind and to protect soil from erosion. They are commonly planted in hedgerows around the ed ...

and for

erosion Erosion is the action of surface processes (such as Surface runoff, water flow or wind) that removes soil, Rock (geology), rock, or dissolved material from one location on the Earth's crust#Crust, Earth's crust and then sediment transport, tran ...

control due to its dense growth and root structure. It is also planted in urban settings because of its tolerance to varied soil and moisture conditions.

Conservation

As of now, ''Crataegus brainerdii'' does not have any major conservation concerns. It is considered globally secure (G5 rank) throughout most of its range according to NatureServe.

Etymology

The specific epithet ''brainerdii'' commemorates Ezra Brainerd, a 19th-century American botanist who made significant contributions to the study of hawthorns and served as president of Middlebury College from 1885 to 1908.

References

{{Taxonbar, from=Q5182552 brainerdii Flora of Northern America Flora of Canada Ornamental trees Bird food plants Shrubs