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 follows blooms. Many species have wonderful fall foliage color, as well, adding to their usefulness as ornamental landscape plants.
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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 ambigua (Russian Hawthorn) This species does best in zones 1-10 and 14, and is native to southeastern Russia, Turkey and Iran. This is an extremely cold-hardy variety, reaching 15-25 feet tall and just as wide or even a bit wider. 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 crus-galli inermis (Thornless Cockspur Thorn) 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. Leaves are smooth and glossy dark green, toothed, and turn reddish orange in autumn. Fruit is a dull orange-red color. |
Crataegus laevigata (Crataegus oxyacantha) (English Hawthorn) 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. Susceptible to 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. |
Crataegus laevigata 'Paul's Scarlet'
Produces clusters of double flowers in red or rose. Lacks good fall color. |
Crataegus laevigata 'Double White' and 'Double Pink'
Both produce profuse double flowers but little fruit. Lacks good fall color. |
Crataegus laevigata '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 mess when it drops. Plant away from walkways. |
Crataegus monogyna 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 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 'Toba' Grows well in zones A3 and 1-10. This Canadian hybrid Hawthorn reaches 20 feet tall and a little wider and has a great tolerance to cold temperatures. Flowers are double and white, aging to pink. Large fruit produced sparsely. Variety 'Snowbird' is similar but has a more upright habit with double 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
Plant Hawthorn trees in any type of soil, provided it is well-draining. When grown in too-ideal of conditions, these trees are actually more susceptible to issues like Fireblight, Aphids, and Scale. Prune out excess twiggy growth to open up the canopy and increase airflow. Prune out water sprouts when they pop up.
Propagation
Problems and Pests
Hawthorn trees suffer from the following issues:
- Fireblight
- Aphids
- Scale
- Leaf Spot Fungus
Gallery
Videos
A video all about growing camellias successfully
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Propagating camellias
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Resources
The New Sunset Western Garden Book: The Ultimate Gardening Guide (2012) - Page 269, Crataegus
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