This is a very fast growing tree that has a relatively smooth bark, similar to that of a golden chain tree, with small horizontal marks along the entire trunk. It produces golf ball size fruit that is very hard and horrible to eat. When new branches come out, they are covered with thorns about 1" long and very sharp. The leaves are all individual and about 2-3" when mature, dark green with lots of veining and a very subtle saw tooth edge. The leaves also curl. I would like to know what it is and if there is anything that I can make out of the fruit.
It may be a Washington hawthorn or some other kind of hawthorn.
Thank you, I'll do some research in that direction!
I see these berries frequently on leafless, thorny bushes in hedgerows in late autumn. They are deep dark red and small. What are they? Any ideas? The plants are like small trees, very thorny.
While there are many types of plants that produce red berries this time of year, holly shrubs are typically thorny. The fact that it's leafless would make this likely Winterberry holly (Ilex verticillata), which unlike other hollies is deciduous (loses its leaves in winter). This is also a tree-like form of holly and is known for its bright red berries.
Thanks for answering - I've just walked past them again this morning and noticed a few remaining leaves on a twig - they are lobed - and based on this I've now been able to identify it as Crataegus laevigata - midland hawthorn
Many thanks
Jon
I have a hawthorn tree that becomes infected with rust every year. Rust destroys the berries.
This article should help you:
https://www.ipm.iastate.edu/ipm/info/plant-diseases/cedar-hawthorn-rust
Will the Irish Hawthorn trees grow in outback Australia? I would love to grow a Hawthorn tree but do not know what variety if any will grow in my area.
Based on the information found at the below website, the crataegus monogyna, or irish hawthorne, "is extremely tough and versatile, long-lived, tolerates hot to cold temperatures, damp to dry conditions, salt, wind, heavy damage, most soils, and semi-shade."
So - it sounds like you might have a decent shot of getting it to survive in the hot, dry Australian outback. Good luck!
http://www.terrain.net.nz/friends-of-te-henui-group/weeds/hawthorn-crataegus-monogyna.html
My Hawthorne was beautiful when we bought it. Last year it had lots of buds for leaves, but they did not become leaves. The branches were green and supple. This year, again, no leaves, although you can see the tree trunk and branches are green and supple. Is it possible for it to remain dormant but alive for these two spring seasons, or should we dig it up and carry on?
Given the extremely cold and long winter we suffered I suspect the tree possible could be still waking up. I also garden in zone 4 and am seeing some things lag behind quite a bit.
I would not give up yet since your branches are green and bendable. Have you been quite dry this spring? Make sure your giving the new tree adequate water to wake up the roots.
You could also contact the nursery or garden center where you purchased the tree. They may offer a replacement.
Here is a link to proper care of Hawthorne trees.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/hawthorn/growing-hawthorn-trees.htm
Will my Hawthorn tree correct its bloom time next year? I purchased a Hawthorn 'Winter King' from a nursery that was in bloom already in April. I have two Hawthorn Winter Kings that I planted it with that only began blooming now at the end of May. Will all three bloom at the same time next year?
It will go dormant at the same time as the other plants and should began it's spring growth at the same time as the established plants.
The age of the plants will play a part in it's blooming patterns though.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/hawthorn/growing-hawthorn-trees.htm
Hawthorne has speckled, discolored and sparse leaves.
This likely is a fungus issue.
You can treat with Neem Oil, as this acts as both an insecticide and fungicide.
Here is a link to refresh you on care requirements.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/hawthorn/growing-hawthorn-trees.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/pesticides/neem-oil-uses.htm