THE BIOLOGY OF CANADIAN WEEDS.: 68. Crataegus crus-galli L. sensu lato

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Abstract
Crataegus crus-galli L. sensu lato (cockspur hawthorn) is one of the most readily identified Canadian hawthorns. It occurs frequently, and often in great abundance, on abandoned or poorly managed agricultural land in southern Ontario. These shrubs or small trees are difficult to remove and because of their thorns highly resistant to grazing. The weediness of cockspur hawthorn appears to be a function principally of reproductive characteristics (apomixis and self-fertility in abundant, unspecialized flowers each of which may develop into a fleshy fruit) that result in the production and dispersal of large numbers of seed annually (or biennially).Key words: Weed biology, cockspur hawthorn, Crataegus crus-galli, distribution