This small native tree grows up to 25 feet tall. It has a rough and somewhat flaky bark (F). Its branches and twigs are armed with stout thorns (E). Winter twigs have bright red terminal buds (E). The leaves and flowers usually appear together as “bouquets” at the ends of upright twigs (A). The 3-5 inch leaves are variable in shape, lobed and sharply toothed (A). The white flowers have 5 sepals. The fruit ripens to a red berry in August; it is about 1/2 inch in diameter and resembles a rose hip (G).
Grows in open woodlands and floodplains, flowering in April and may. In Fontenelle Forest, rare; look for one along the floodplain boardwalk when in bloom. At Neale Woods, rare; a single tree was found off Jonas Trail.
Saplings of this declining tree species, along with Bur Oak (Quercus macrocarpa) have recently been planted on cleared ridges in Fontenelle Forest as part of the Oak Savanna Restoration Project.
The content of NatureSearch is provided by dedicated volunteer Naturalists of Fontenelle Forest who strive to provide the most accurate information available. Contributors of the images retain their copyrights. The point of contact for this page is: Roland Barth.