(Crataegus marshallii)
The Rose Family (Rosaceae)
Shrub to small tree with irregular, open crown; alternate, deciduous lacy leaves; greenish-tan, exfoliating bark and twigs with sharp spines.
Habitat:
Sandy, alluvial woods and low pastures.
Interesting Facts:
Common name refers to the deeply cut foliage that looks similar to parsley. Flowers have a very conspicuous fishy or rotten scent. Fruit made into jellies, jams, or eaten raw. Tonics and teas from leaves used to treat heart diseases and high blood pressure.
Fruit:
.375” long, bright red, oblong drupe containing 1 to 3 seeds, maturing in fall.
Flower:
Five white petals, red and white stamens, .625” wide, in clusters during early spring.
Wildlife value:
Valuable nectar source for bees, butterflies, and other pollinators; foliage eaten by white-tailed deer; in fall/winter fruit consumed by songbirds and small mammals; serves as cover for insects and birds.
Fruit
Bark
Flowers
Leaf type:
Simple
Pollinator:
Wildlife value:
Tree dimensions:
Leaf length: 1.50-4.00 inches
Tree height: 10.00-30.00 feet
Where to find Parsley Hawthorn on the Louisiana State Arboretum Trails:
TER - Walker Terrace 35.0
BCY - Bald Cypress Loop 2.0
Refer to our Live Map to locate this species and its interpretative signage on the trail system.