Shrubs or trees, habit ± intricate in smaller specimens, ± lacrimate in larger ones, 10–60 (–100) dm, branches ± to strongly weeping (moving in slight wind). Stems: twigs: new growth densely appressed-pubescent, 1-year old purple-brown, older dark gray, usually slender; thorns on twigs usually numerous, ± straight, 2-years old blackish gray, fine, 1–4 cm. Leaves: petiole length 20–35% blade, densely pubescent, glandular; blade bright light green young, narrowly obovate or ± spatulate to obtrullate, on extension shoots suborbiculate, 1.5–4 cm, coriaceous, base tapered, lobes 0 or slight protuberances distally, margins shallowly serrate to crenate-serrate except near base, teeth gland-tipped, veins 1–4 per side (exiting in distal part), apex acute to subacute, often cuspidate, ± shiny mature, abaxial surface scabrous, main veins tomentose, adaxial pubescent young. Inflorescences 2–4-flowered; branches densely appressed-pubescent; bracteoles linear, margins sessile-glandular. Flowers 12–16 mm diam.; hypanthium white-canescent; sepals narrowly triangular, 3 mm, margins glandular-serrate, abaxially pubescent; anthers cream; styles 3–5. Pomes yellow-orange to reddish, sometimes with flushed cheeks, suborbicular to sometimes ellipsoid, 8–12 mm diam., pubescent; sepals spreading to reflexed; pyrenes 3–5.

Phenology: Flowering Mar–Apr; fruiting Jul–Aug.
Habitat: Open areas, open woodlands, sandy soil
Elevation: 20–200 m

Distribution

• Generated Map
• Legacy Map

Ala., Fla., Ga., N.C., S.C.

Discussion

Crataegus condigna extends from southern Alabama to North Carolina, being most abundant in northern Florida and South Carolina. The species is abundant and variable, characterized by leaves more or less obovate, lobes absent, and margins finely toothed. Extreme variation in stature suggests the existence of at least two forms; in the herbarium they cannot be distinguished. The typical form, with smaller leaves and more delicate branching, is best distinguished from the more robust, wider-leaved form of C. crocea by better defined leaf-marginal teeth. Larger leaved forms of C. condigna may resemble narrower leaved forms of C. florens (subser. Robustae) but differ by their smaller leaf marginal teeth and denser indumentum. Both have circular extension-shoot leaves. Crataegus vicana is a form with particularly tapered leaf bases and long petioles.

Selected References

None.

Lower Taxa

None.

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