ABSTRACT
Hawthorns are adapted to grow as understory trees and shrubs in temperate zone forests. With the clearing of virgin forests in North America, the plants have become frequent in open areas. Although the mayhaws grow well in swampy soil, they grow best in moist but well-drained soil. Hawthorns are common along the shores of waterways, in abandoned fields, and along fences. Hawthorns are deciduous shrubs or small trees, with small, crab-apple-like or rose-like fruits called haws and hawberries. The fruit flesh of most species is mealy and dry, like that of rosehips, but in some species, the fruits have the texture and sweetness of cherries. Hawthorn plants usually have thorns, clusters of white flowers in the spring, and colorful orange, red, or yellow fruits in the fall. Hawthorns are cultivated for ornament, and the fruits of some species are used as food. Old World hawthorns produce superior fruits, and are more important albeit with quite minor market significance.
