VU

Rome Hawthorn

Crataegus aemula

Declining

Overview

A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.

Crataegus aemula faces severe population decline due to habitat fragmentation from agricultural expansion and urban development across its limited range in the southeastern United States. The species is particularly vulnerable to genetic bottlenecks given its small, isolated populations. Fire suppression has altered natural woodland dynamics, reducing suitable regeneration sites for this hawthorn species.

Threat summary

Habitat

Crataegus aemula inhabits open woodlands, forest edges, and prairie margins in the southeastern United States, typically growing in well-drained soils. The species prefers transitional zones between forested and grassland areas, often establishing in areas with periodic natural disturbance.

Wetlands (inland) - Permanent rivers/streams· major

Conservation measures underway

Site/area protection

Other threatened species in ROSACEAE

EN

Bristol Whitebeam

Sorbus bristoliensis

Increasing
EN

Arran Whitebeam

Sorbus arranensis

Declining
EN

Prunus detrita

Declining
VU

Sorbus degenii

Unknown

Threatened in United States

VU

Lepiota echinella

Unknown
VU

Paddlefish

Polyodon spathula

Unknown
VU

Copper Shark

Carcharhinus brachyurus

Declining
EN

Lyophyllum deliberatum

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is Rome Hawthorn classified as Vulnerable?
Rome Hawthorn is classified as Vulnerable because the population is declining and the species faces a high risk of extinction in the medium-term future if current pressures continue. Crataegus aemula faces severe population decline due to habitat fragmentation from agricultural expansion and urban development across its limited range in the southeastern United States. The species is particularly vulnerable to genetic bottlenecks given its small, isolated populations. Fire suppression has altered natural woodland dynamics, reducing suitable regeneration sites for this hawthorn species.
Where does Rome Hawthorn live?
Rome Hawthorn occurs in United States. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Rome Hawthorn?
The main threats to Rome Hawthorn are ai-1, ai-2, ai-3, and ai-4. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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