Crataegus
( krah - TEE - gus )
At-A-Glance InformationCommonly called Hawthorn, Quickthorn, Thornapple, May-Tree, Whitethorn, or Hawberry, this genus of deciduous trees need full sun and moderate water. They will attract both birds and pollinators to your garden, and are typically seen as multi-trunked trees with thorny branches. They are known for their beautiful white flowers that appear after leafout, and for the showy, apple-like fruit that follow blooms. Flowers can have an unpleasant smell when in bloom. Many species have wonderful fall foliage color, as well, adding to their usefulness as ornamental landscape plants, though they are also grown as crop trees, as well. Take care when planting these trees in the landscape as many species and varietals have sharp thorns that can pierce skin and clothing.
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Crataegus Species and Varietals
The genus Crataegus includes hundreds of species and is a member of the Rose family, Rosaceae. The genus name is derived from the Greek word for strength ('kratos'). Crataegus trees grow best in zones 2-12 and 14-17, though this varies somewhat depending on the species. For more growing information, see the descriptions below. To find your zone, click here: Zone Map.
Crataegus aestivalis (Eastern Mayhaw) These trees are native to low-lying and wet areas of the southeastern United States, mainly in eastern Alabama to central Florida and Virginia. This is one of several species that produce fruits that are harvested for use in making jelly, which is considered a delicacy in many areas of the southern United States. |
Crataegus ambigua (Russian Hawthorn) This species does well in zones 1-10 and 14, and is native to southeastern Russia, Turkey and Iran. This is an extremely cold-hardy species, reaching between 15 and 25 feet tall and just as wide or even a bit wider when mature. The tree takes on a vase shape at maturity, and has twisting branches that create a beautiful silhouette. Leaves are deeply cut and fruit is small and red. |
Crataegus azarolus (Azarole, Azerole, Mediterranean Medlar) These trees are commonly seen growing in the Mediterranean basin, and is the most populous Hawthorn species in Arab countries. They produce plentiful crops of plump Haw fruits. Flowers are cream to white and foliage is green. Some leaves are entire, other are lobed. |
Crataegus crus-galli inermis (Thornless Cockspur Thorn, Cockspur Hawthorn) This Hawthorn species is native to the eastern United States and Canada, growing best in zones 1-12 and 14-17. These trees reach 20-30 feet tall and 20-35 feet wide. Dark green Leaves are smooth, glossy and toothed, turning reddish orange in autumn. Fruit is a dull orange-red color. |
Crataegus iracunda (Passionate Hawthorn, Stolon-Bearing Hawthorn) These plants are native to North America, where they grow in large thickets of interconnected small trees or shrubs. They rarely exceed 20 feet tall when mature, and produce egg-shaped green leaves and flat-topped arrays of white flowers. Fruits are red to orange, and sometimes have green blotches. |
Crataegus laevigata (Crataegus oxyacantha) (English Hawthorn, Woodland Hawthorn, Midland Hawthorn, Mayflower)
This species grows well in zones A2, A3, 2-12 and 14-17 and is native to Europe and North Africa. It can reach 18-25 feet tall and 15-20 feet wide. Leaves are lobed and toothed. The species is susceptible to a leaf spot fungus that can completely defoliate trees in spring and summer in the Northwest. This species is best known through its varieties, described below.
This species grows well in zones A2, A3, 2-12 and 14-17 and is native to Europe and North Africa. It can reach 18-25 feet tall and 15-20 feet wide. Leaves are lobed and toothed. The species is susceptible to a leaf spot fungus that can completely defoliate trees in spring and summer in the Northwest. This species is best known through its varieties, described below.
'Paul's Scarlet'
Produces clusters of double flowers in red or rose. Lacks good fall color. |
'Double White' and 'Double Pink'
Both produce profuse double flowers but little fruit. Lacks good fall color. |
'Crimson Cloud' ('Superba')
This variety has white-centered bright red single flowers and vivid red fruit. Lacks good fall color. |
Crataegus x lavallei (Crataegus carrierei) (Carriere Hawthorn) Growing best in zones 3-12 and 14-21, this species reaches 25 feet in height and 15-20 feet wide. Carriere Hawthorn has a more erect and open habit than other Hawthorn species, and has less twiggy growth. Leaves are toothed, leathery and dark green, turning bronze-red in fall, but staying on the tree well into wintertime. Fruit is orange-red and long-lasting, but makes a good mess when it drops from trees; Plant away from walkways. |
Crataegus mexicana (Teocote, Manzanita, Tejocotera, Mexican Hawthorn) These shrubs and small trees reach between 16 and 32 feet tall when mature, and are semi-evergreen. Crown is dense and foliage is serrated and green. Flowers are off-white. Fruits ripen in late wintertime shortly before the tree produces the next year's flowers. Fruits are eaten in Mexico cooked, raw, or canned, and is a main ingredient of holiday drinks and candies. The species is native to Mexico and Guatemala. |
Crataegus monogyna (Common Hawthorn, One-Seed Hawthorn, Single-Seeded Hawthorn) This species grows well in zones 1-12 and 14-17 and is native to Europe, North Africa, and western areas of Asia. This is a classic hedge plant grown in the English countryside. A popular variety 'Stricta' reaches 30 feet tall and 8 feet wide, and is commonly planted as a narrow screening plant (planted spaced 5 feet apart for best coverage). |
Crataegus opaca (Western Mayhaw) These shrubs or small trees are native to the Southern United States and typically reach between 12 and 36 feet tall when mature. The species produces trees with narrow trunks with rounded crowns and spiny branches. Leaves are dark green and flowers are either pink or white, blooming in February and March. Fruits follow in May and June. These plants prefer wet soils. They are commonly cultivated for their fruits. |
Crataegus persimilis (Plumleaf Hawthorn, Broad-Leaved Cockspur Thorn) This species is native to North America and is widely cultivated, especially in Europe. It is considered a great ornamental tree for smaller gardens, and also makes a fine street tree. They are dense enough to be used as windbreaks. Typically the species reaches between 16 and 20 feet tall when mature. |
Crataegus phaenopyrum (Crataegus cordata) (Washington Thorn) This species, native to the southeastern United States, has a moderate growth rate to 25 feet tall and 20 feet wide. Habit is graceful and open. Leaves are glossy with pointed lobes, and turn purple, orange, and scarlet in autumn weather. Fruit is shiny and red, lasting well into wintertime. Great as a street or lawn tree. Some resistance to Fireblight. |
Crataegus submollis (Northern Downy Hawthorn, Northern Red Haw, Quebec Hawthorn, Hairy Cockspurthorn) These plants typically reach up to 23 feet tall and produce large crops of bright red fruits. The species can form a shrub or small tree that has numerous thorns. Foliage is green and toothed, and flowers are white. |
Crataegus 'Toba' This varietal grows well in zones A3 and 1-10. It is a Canadian hybrid Hawthorn, and reaches 20 feet tall and a little wider with a great tolerance to cold temperatures. Flowers are double and white, aging to pink and opening from pink buds. Large fruits are produced sparsely. Varietal 'Snowbird' is similar but has a more upright habit with double pure white flowers. |
Crataegus viridis (Green Hawthorn) This species, native to the eastern United States, reaches 25-30 feet tall and wide. Crown is broad and spreading. Fall color can be yellow to orange; white flowers are followed by red fruits. Variety 'Winter King' has silvery stems and red fruit that lasts through the winter; an attractive, trouble-free variety. |
Caring for and pruning crataegus Trees
Install Crataegus trees and shrubs in a spot in the garden that receives full sun. These plants can also take partial shade, though flowering and therefore fruiting will be reduced with less light. Full sun is the best exposure for productive trees. Hawthorn trees are hermaphroditic, meaning that they can self-pollinate and produce harvests of fruits without a partner tree. Plant Hawthorn trees in any type of soil, provided it is well-draining. They are not picky, but do perform well in slightly acidic to neutral soils with a pH of between 5.5 and 7.0. When grown in too-ideal of conditions, these trees are actually more susceptible to issues like Fireblight, Aphids, and Scale. Provide newly installed trees with plenty of moisture. Once trees are mature, they are considered drought-tolerant and will only need supplemental waterings during prolonged dry spells. Discontinue irrigation in wintertime.
These trees do not typically need to be fertilized; a simple application of organic compost around the base of the tree yearly in springtime is sufficient to provide nutrients for the growth, flowering and fruiting seasons. If plants seem to be struggling somewhat, they may benefit from an application of a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in springtime. Prune Hawthorn trees in late winter or early springtime to remove dead or damaged growth or to shape the tree. Regular pruning will help to maintain good airflow through the canopy, and reduce the chances of diseases and pest problems taking hold. Prune out excess twiggy growth and water sprouts when they pop up.
Harvesting Haws
Take care when harvesting fruits from Hawthorn trees, as many species have very sharp thorns that can pierce clothing and skin. Make sure to wear protective clothing. The fruits produced by Hawthorn trees are commonly called Haws or Mayhaws, and range in color from golden to crimson to almost black when they are ripe. They grow in clusters on thorny branches, and have creamy yellow flesh and a large inedible seed inside. Raw fruits have a tart, slightly sweet taste and make a good on-the-go snack. They can also be made into jellies, candied, dried fruit snacks, or be used to flavor wine or sauces. Harvesting Mayhaws is relatively straightforward; simply place a net, sheet, or burlap under the tree and shake branches. Leaves are edible, as well, and are typically picked from the tree when they are young and tender. They are added to salads. Flower buds and blooms are edible too.
These trees do not typically need to be fertilized; a simple application of organic compost around the base of the tree yearly in springtime is sufficient to provide nutrients for the growth, flowering and fruiting seasons. If plants seem to be struggling somewhat, they may benefit from an application of a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in springtime. Prune Hawthorn trees in late winter or early springtime to remove dead or damaged growth or to shape the tree. Regular pruning will help to maintain good airflow through the canopy, and reduce the chances of diseases and pest problems taking hold. Prune out excess twiggy growth and water sprouts when they pop up.
Harvesting Haws
Take care when harvesting fruits from Hawthorn trees, as many species have very sharp thorns that can pierce clothing and skin. Make sure to wear protective clothing. The fruits produced by Hawthorn trees are commonly called Haws or Mayhaws, and range in color from golden to crimson to almost black when they are ripe. They grow in clusters on thorny branches, and have creamy yellow flesh and a large inedible seed inside. Raw fruits have a tart, slightly sweet taste and make a good on-the-go snack. They can also be made into jellies, candied, dried fruit snacks, or be used to flavor wine or sauces. Harvesting Mayhaws is relatively straightforward; simply place a net, sheet, or burlap under the tree and shake branches. Leaves are edible, as well, and are typically picked from the tree when they are young and tender. They are added to salads. Flower buds and blooms are edible too.
Propagation
Crataegus trees can be propagated either by using cuttings or from seed. To ensure that your propagated plant will have the exact same qualities and characteristics as the parent plant, use the cutting method. If you would like to experiment and see what plant you can grow from seed, just keep in mind that it will not necessarily be the same as the parent plant. To propagate your tree, follow the instructions below:
Propagating Crataegus by Seed
Propagating Crataegus by Division
Hawthorn trees typically will produce suckers, which pop up around the base of trees, especially those growing in the wild. These suckers can be dug up and transplanted elsewhere. This type of propagation is relatively simple; you will need a clean shovel, mulch, fresh soil (any kind will do, though it does need to be well-draining), compost, gloves and other protective wear (to prevent thorns from piercing skin) and pots (12 inch pots will do, and these are only necessary if you will be saving divided trees for transporting elsewhere). To propagate by division, follow these steps:
Propagating Crataegus by Seed
- Keep in mind that the plant you get from seed will not necessarily mimic all of the characteristics of the parent plant. To propagate by seed, you will need a paper bag, a pot or tray filled with well-draining compost or other organic material and a fork. If you don't have any potting medium on hand, you can make some. Just mix together equal parts (by volume) moss peat and horticultural-grade sand or grit sand. You will also, after a few weeks, need individual 3-inch pots for each seedling that grows.
- Harvest your seeds. There is one seed in each Mayhaw fruit, and they can be removed by smashing the fruits and rinsing until all pulp is removed.
- Caesalpinia seeds have a hard coating that protects them, but this coating also makes it a little difficult to get them to germinate. We can help the process along by scarifying them with sandpaper (or simply rubbing them against an abrasive surface). Do this with as many seeds as you can; they will probably not all sow, and the ones that do will be of varying characteristics. The more seeds you plant, the more chances you will have to get the resulting shrub you want. Place your seeds in lukewarm water for six hours. Viable seeds will sink to the bottom, and non-viable seeds will float to the top. You can discard any seeds that float.
- Water your prepared seed tray or pot filled with soil, and ensure that good drainage is occurring. Place your seeds in your prepared pot or seed tray about a quarter inch to a half-inch under the soil surface. Cover them with soil and water with your spray bottle. Place your tray of seeds in a warm area that receives bright, indirect light. A greenhouse is the most ideal climate, but a planting tray inside a window will do as well. Germination usually takes 7-14 days from sowing. Once you begin to see seedlings sprout and they are able to be handled, transplant them to their own individual 3-inch pots, filled with the same potting medium as described in Step 1. Loosen the seedlings from the potting medium by digging down with the tines of your fork about an inch and a half, gently working the seedling up until it is out. Then, replant the seedling in its individual pot.
- Keep the seedling's potting medium moist, but not wet, by spraying the soil with your spray bottle. Keep your new plant in an area with bright light (though not direct sunlight) and temperatures between 55 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Ensure that the soil stays moist, but not wet, until the next spring (after the danger of frost has passed), when you can transplant it to its new home.
Propagating Crataegus by Division
Hawthorn trees typically will produce suckers, which pop up around the base of trees, especially those growing in the wild. These suckers can be dug up and transplanted elsewhere. This type of propagation is relatively simple; you will need a clean shovel, mulch, fresh soil (any kind will do, though it does need to be well-draining), compost, gloves and other protective wear (to prevent thorns from piercing skin) and pots (12 inch pots will do, and these are only necessary if you will be saving divided trees for transporting elsewhere). To propagate by division, follow these steps:
- Dawn your protective gear and gather your materials. Using a shovel, dig up your existing plant. Start from the outside and work your way in to avoid damaging the roots. Some roots will need to be sliced through; suckers are offsets of a parent plant, and typically have a connecting root section. Once you have worked it up out of the ground, lay it out.
- Prepare your pot(s) or new planting site(s) with amended, well-draining soil. You can either bring in new soil or simply amend your existing soil with compost to complete this task. Then, plant your divided tubers about an inch under the soil surface and water thoroughly.
- Apply a thick layer of mulch over the new planting to protect it from cold weather as it acclimates to its new home. Then, enjoy watching it sprout.
Problems and Pests
Hawthorn trees are considered tough and disease resistant, but they can suffer from the following issues from time to time:
- Fireblight
- Aphids
- Scale
- Leaf Spot Fungus
Gallery
Videos
Learn all about these wonderful edimental trees.
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In addition to being crop trees, Hawthorns also make wonderful ornamentals.
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A year in the life of a Hawthorn tree.
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Learn how to identify a Hawthorn tree.
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Resources
The New Sunset Western Garden Book: The Ultimate Gardening Guide (2012) - Page 269, Crataegus
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