Shrubs or trees, 20–70(–80) dm. Stems: trunks 1–several, ± erect to oblique, bark flattened-scaly; compound thorns on trunks present or absent; thorns on twigs determinate, recurved, usually stout, sometimes ± slender. Leaves: blade ± ovate or rhombic to rhombic-elliptic or broadly elliptic, 3–8(–12) cm, coriaceous or thin, lobes 0 or 3–5(–8) per side, sinuses shallow, max LII usually 20%, veins (3–)5–8 per side, absent to sinuses. Inflorescences: branches usually pubescent; symmetric bracteoles present, basal bracteoles absent, falcate bracteoles absent. Flowers: post-mature petals pale paper brown; stamens 10 or 20, anthers red, pink, purple, sometimes white, ivory, or cream. Pomes orange to red; pyrenes dorsally grooved, sides ± pitted or eroded, sometimes plane.

Species 8 (8 in the flora): North America.

Section Macracanthae is similar to some species of sect. Coccineae; it differs in possessing more or less pitted pyrenes.

Lower Taxa

• Crataegus (sect. Macracanthae) ser. Anomalae (Sargent ex Eggleston) Rehder
• Crataegus (sect. Macracanthae) ser. Macracanthae (Loudon) Rehder