Crataegus praecox Sargent, Rhodora 3: 27. 1901; C. lemingtonensis Sargent

Shrubs, 20–30 dm. Leaves: blade ovate to rhombic-ovate, base ± cuneate, sinuses: max LII 15–20%, lobe apex acute, veins 3–5 per side, abaxial surface glabrous young or lamina sparsely hairy at anthesis, veins hairy, adaxial appressed-scabrous, glabrescent. Inflorescences: branches pubescent. Flowers 15–20 mm diam.; hypanthium pubescent; stamens 10, anthers pink. Pomes red, suborbicular, 8–10 mm diam., glabrous.

Flowering May; fruiting mid Sep. Open brush, rocky hillsides; 100–300 m; N.H., N.Y., Vt.

Variety praecox is similar to var. chrysocarpa except for its pink anthers and is sparsely scattered through the eastern part of the range of the species. Reports from Quebec and Wisconsin are unconfirmed. Forms attributed to Crataegus lemingtonensis in Vermont are said to be locally common and represent two variants, the more common like C. praecox and a second with a distinctive leaf shape and relatively slender and long petiole characteristic of members of ser. Tenuifoliae. The latter represents typical C. lemingtonensis and is perhaps a hybrid.