Crataegus crus-galli, L.

Form.—Height 10-25 feet, diameter 6-12 inches; trunk short; crown broad and flat-topped.

Leaves.—Alternate, simple, ovate-obovate, 1-3 inches long, sharply serrate except toward the base, long tapering at the base, rounded or blunt-pointed at the apex, thick, dark green and glossy above, paler beneath.

Flowers.—June; perfect; white, two-thirds of an inch across, arranged in many-flowered corymbs; stamens 10; styles 1-3.

Fruit.—Matures in autumn; an ovoid or sub-globose pome two-fifths-½ inch long, greenish to dull red, containing usually 2 boxy nutlets which are 2-3-grooved on the back.

Bark.—Grayish brown, roughened on old trees by small scales.

Wood.—Hard, heavy, close-grained, reddish brown with thick light-colored sapwood.

Range.—Southern Canada to northern Georgia, west to Missouri and Michigan.

Distribution in West Virginia.—A common thorn throughout the State.

Habitat.—Borders of woods and abandoned fields on many kinds of soils.

Notes.—As indicated by the name, this species is armed with long, curved thorns. The taper-based, serrate, glossy leaves and the dull red-green fruits will help the student in identifying this common tree.