Crataegus succulenta aka Succulent Hawthorn

Crataegus succulenta, commonly known as fleshy hawthorn, succulent hawthorn, and round-fruited cockspurthorn, is a species of hawthorn that is native to southern Canada and various parts of the United States, including Arizona, New Mexico, Kansas, Missouri, North Carolina, and Tennessee. It is considered the most wide-ranging hawthorn in North America. This deciduous tree can reach a height of up to 6 meters and has an upright habit, long thorns, and oval-shaped leaves with serrated edges. In spring, clusters of small white flowers, up to 25 in each cluster, bloom, followed by large fleshy red berries in autumn. The fruit is edible and can be used for making jelly or tea. Crataegus succulenta is a hardy species, capable of growing in various soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils, as long as they are well-drained. It can tolerate different pH levels, from acidic to alkaline, and can grow in semi-shade or no shade. The plant is adaptable to dry, moist, or wet soil conditions and can withstand strong winds but not maritime exposure. It is also tolerant of atmospheric pollution. The fruit is small, sweet, and juicy, with a pulpy flesh. It can be eaten raw or cooked, and is often used for making jellies. The fruit is about 17mm in diameter, although some sources mention larger fruits, up to 35mm in diameter, borne in small clusters. The fruit contains several large seeds that often stick together, resembling a cherry-like fruit with a single seed. Crataegus succulenta is considered to be a parent species, along with Crataegus crus-galli, of the tetraploid species Crataegus persimilis.