The Mysterious Missouri Hawthorn: A Native Tree Worth Knowing
If you’re looking for a native tree that’s practically shrouded in mystery, meet the hawthorn known scientifically as Crataegus ×simulata. This perennial tree species calls Missouri home and represents one of nature’s more enigmatic native plants. While it may not be the most well-documented tree in your field guide, it’s certainly an intriguing addition to the native plant conversation.
What Is Crataegus ×simulata?
This hawthorn is a native tree species that belongs to the lower 48 States, with its confirmed presence in Missouri. As a perennial woody plant, it typically grows as a single-stemmed tree reaching heights greater than 13 to 16 feet, though environmental conditions can sometimes encourage a more compact, multi-stemmed growth form under 13 feet tall.
The × in its botanical name indicates this is a hybrid species, which might explain why detailed information about this particular hawthorn can be surprisingly hard to come by. Hybrids often represent natural crosses between parent species, creating unique plants that combine characteristics from both lineages.
Where Does It Grow?
Currently, Crataegus ×simulata is documented as growing in Missouri. This limited geographic distribution makes it a particularly special representative of Missouri’s native flora.
Should You Plant This Native Hawthorn?
Here’s where things get interesting – and a bit challenging. While this hawthorn’s native status makes it an appealing choice for gardeners focused on supporting local ecosystems, the limited availability of specific cultivation information means you’ll be somewhat pioneering if you choose to grow it.
The pros of considering this native tree include:
- Supporting native biodiversity in Missouri landscapes
- Adding a unique, lesser-known native species to your garden
- Contributing to the preservation of regional plant heritage
However, the challenges include:
- Limited specific information about growing requirements
- Potentially difficult to source from nurseries
- Unknown specific wildlife and pollinator benefits
Growing Guidance (What We Know)
Since detailed cultivation information for Crataegus ×simulata specifically is limited, anyone interested in growing this tree would need to rely on general hawthorn cultivation principles and be prepared for some experimentation. The tree’s natural presence in Missouri suggests it’s adapted to the regional climate and soil conditions found there.
As a tree species that can reach over 13 feet in height, you’ll want to plan for adequate space in your landscape design. The potential for multi-stemmed growth under certain conditions also suggests some flexibility in its form.
The Bottom Line
Crataegus ×simulata represents one of those fascinating native plants that reminds us how much we still have to learn about our regional flora. While the limited information available makes it a challenging choice for most home gardeners, it could be perfect for native plant enthusiasts who enjoy working with rare or understudied species.
If you’re specifically interested in Missouri native hawthorns but want more reliable growing information, consider researching other well-documented Crataegus species native to the region. These alternatives might give you the native hawthorn experience you’re looking for with more predictable results.
For those determined to work with Crataegus ×simulata, connecting with local native plant societies, botanical gardens, or university extension services in Missouri might provide the best path forward for obtaining both plants and growing guidance.
