Crataegus sp.: Batesburg Hawthorn (Crataegus munda)?

This appears to be a Crataegus sp. Based on a comparison of Crataegus sp. listed in the Natural and Naturalized Plants of the Carolinas and Georgia, this plant appears to resemble the Batesburg Hawthorn (Crataegus munda) most closely.

I was struck by the pure white flowers. I had to climb down a steep section of the shore line at Fort Yargo State Park while the lake level was low to get these photos. It would have been challenging to get these photos had the lake level been normal.

I found plants growing along the shore line at the lower left of this photo (segment 6). I also found some plants along segment 14.

A new flower and glossy leaves.

Leaves are alternate.

The plants have very long thorns. These are about 3 inches long.

A flower, up close. I was so focused on the young flower in front that I didn’t notice the more mature flowers with brown anthers in the background.

A developing fruit. This was photographed on a plant by the lake along segment 14.

Crataegus munda is native to South Carolina and Georgia in the United States.
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Distribution Map:
- United States Department of Agriculture Plants Database Crataegus munda (Batesburg Hawthorn)
- University of North Carolina Herbarium: Crataegus munda

Identification resources:
- Natural and Naturalized Plants of the Carolinas and Georgia: Crataegus munda

Related posts:
- 2010: Year Of The Wildflower