Leaves are alternate, simple, with thorns or spines.
There are several hundred species of haws growing in the United States. It is extremely difficult to distinguishbetween the species. Found generally throughout Iowa except in the northwest section, this short tree, with thin, erect branching and a narrow, open crown, prefers the banks of streams and open hillsides. The small leaves are narrowed or tapered at the base. The tips are round pointed and coarsely toothed, and the base is nearly smooth.