Crataegus erythropoda Ashe
Family: Rosaceae
Description: Small tree or shrub a 3.0 m in height; branches
spiny, the spines purplish-brown and averaging 3.0 to 4.0 cm in
length; leaves simple, alternate, broadly elliptic to ovate, not
strongly rhombic, 3.0 to 5.0 cm in length and coarsely serrate,
but not lobed or only shallowly lobed, the margins somewhat glandular
tipped; flower petals 5 and white, stamens 5 to 8, carpels 1 to
5; fruit a red to brown or black pome 7.0 to 8.0 mm in diameter.
Distribution: Thought to occur along streams and in the
mountains over the northern part of the state at 1,900 to 2,450
m (6,500 to 8,000 ft) in elevation, some recent collections from
the Gila National Forest that were first thought to be C. wootoniana
now appear to be C. erythropoda.
Plants Seen or Cited: UAZ: Only one important collection
from NM, McMillen Forest Campground, were this species is known
to occur. NMSU: One collection along McMillan Spring Trail, 0.25
miles south of the campground, Gila National Forest, Sec. 17,
T - 6S, R - 13W, 7,000 ft in elevation, Charles Huff, 22 May 97.
This too could be C. wootoniana.
Discussion: Only considerable field work will start to provide
a better understanding of the genus Crataegus. This species
is more common in northern New Mexico and Colorado. The type specimen
was described from Larimer County in CO where the species is somewhat
less confusing. This species should not be considered rare.
Important Literature:
Carter, J.L. 1997. Trees and shrubs of New Mexico.
Eggelston, W.W. 1907. Crataegus in New Mexico. Torrey,
7:235-236.
Kearney, T.H. and R.H. Peebles. 1951. Arizona flora.
Martin, W.C. and C.R. Hutchins. 1980. A flora of New
Mexico.
Weber, W. A. and R. C. Wittmann. 1992. Catalog of the Colorado
flora: A biodiversity baseline.
Information Compiled By: Jack Carter, 1998
