The parsley hawthorn (
Crataegus marshallii) is in bloom this week. From a distance, this is unquestionably a good thing. The senior tree in the arboretum collection has a nice shape, interesting bark and is covered in white flowers. Visually, the parsley hawthorn is pleasing.
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| This individual is from Akin's Nursery, planted in the winter of 1996, on the slope down from the Ratcliff Gazebo. |
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| Flower clusters cover the tree. |
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| Flower detail |
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| Bark detail |
The parsley hawthorn is olfactorily displeasing; it is distinctly
malodorous. These cute white flowers produce an undesirable odor to
attract its preferred pollinators, flies. Some flowers smell good,
others don't. What attracts the fly often repels the human. In any case,
the parsley hawthorn stimulates the senses.
You can see additional photos of this specimen
here.
For more information about this species consult the following:
United States Department of Agriculture
University of Florida IFAS
