Crataegus

Hawthorn
Rosaceae
Deciduous, Trees

Small trees, these members of the rose family are known for clusters of pretty, usually white flowers after leaf-out in spring and for showy fruit resembling tiny apples in summer and fall (and often into winter). They are typically multitrunked, with thorny branches that need some pruning to thin out excess twiggy growth. Many hawthorns produce water sprouts, which should be pruned out. They attract bees, birds.

Crataegus crus-galli

Native to the eastern United State and Canada. To 20–30 ft. high, 20–35 ft. wide. Defended by stiff thorns to 3 in. long, this tree has smooth-textured, tooth-edged leaves that are glossy dark green, turning orange to red in fall. Dull orange-red fruit.

Crataegus crus-galli inermis is a thornless variety.

Crataegus laevigata

Native to Europe and North Africa. To 18–25 ft. high, 15–20 ft. wide. Most varieties have clusters of rose red, white, or pink clusters of flowers. Leaves are similar to those of Crataegus monogyna but have toothed lobes.

Crataegus monogyna

Native to Europe, North Africa, western Asia. Classic hawthorn of English countryside for hedges and boundary plantings. Represented in Western nurseries mainly by the upright variety ‘Stricta’, 30 ft. tall and 8 ft. wide. Plant 5 ft. apart for dense, narrow screen. Leaves 2 in. long, with three to seven deep, smooth-edged lobes. Clusters of small red fruit are rather difficult to see.

Crataegus phaenopyrum

Native to southeastern U.S. Moderate growth to 25 ft. with20-ft. spread. Graceful, openlimb structure. Glossy, 2–3-in.-long leaves with three to fivesharp-pointed lobes (like somemaples); foliage turns beautifulorange, scarlet, or purplish infall. Shiny red fruit hangs onwell into winter. More gracefuland delicate than other hawthorns; preferred street or lawn tree. One of the least prone to fireblight.