pear hawthorn, Crataegus calpodendron

Hawthorns are worth a closae visit. The flowers are very attractive, often with these crinkly edges. They often have colored centers that range from this shade into orange or reddish tones. What's not to like? Well, if you get really close, you might want to leave your nose behind. Flies like them too. And of course, well, the thorns. But most of all, they defy order. They're a hybridizing taxonomic mess. As a result, and treatment of hawthorn's you pick up will differ fom any other. If you want to name one, you just have to pick one of those stories. So, this is pear hawthorn, that's my story, and I'm sticking to it. But also, I sent a specimen to UM, and it turns out they liked the same story my story. According to Flora of North America, pear hawthorn grows in AL, AR, GA, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, MD, MI, MN, MO, MS, NE, NJ, NY, OH, OK, PA, TN, VA, WI, WV, and ON. USDA alsohas it in LA, NC, and TX. Lenawee Co MI, 5/20/13.