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Tried and True Native Plant Selections for the Mid-Atlantic
While this native* member of the Rose Family is found naturally in clearings, glades, woodland borders, and roadsides, it is a tough, adaptable tree that does well in urban settings. Its name refers to its long spines, which are said to resemble the spurs of a cock.
*In the Mid-Atlantic Region, it is native to DC and MD. Its status is undetermined in DE. It is scattered in southern PA, mostly concentrated in the southeast corner. It is frequent to common in the mountains and infrequent eastward in VA. In NoVA, it is native to Fairfax, Loudoun, and Prince William counties.
Note that the tiny but showy bright red fruits of this tree are pomes.
Learn more about Crataegus crus-galli and about pomes…