Washington Hawthorn

Crataegus phaenopyrum

Leaves: Deciduous. Thin leaves are nearly deltoid or triangular in shape and have 3 to 5 lobes. They are 1 to 3 inches long and  ¾ to 2¼ inches wide, with a sharply serrated leaf edge with several small lobes. Dark green color and glossy. Orange to red fall color.

Bark/Twigs: Dark red-green to grayish colored bark. It is shreddy, scaly or sometimes blocky when young. Weakly furrowed, ridged, scaly, and often fluted or knotted when older.  Numerous 1 to 3 inch long, slender thorns.

Flowers/Fruit: Flowers are white, ½ inch diameter, and bloom in small clusters. Blooms early June for 7 to 10 days.  Fruit a ¼ inch diameter berry (pome), bright orange-red when mature and glossy. Fruit persists into winter and attracts birds.

Mature size and shape: Medium. 25 to 30 feet high x 20 to 25 feet wide. Broadly oval to rounded shape, dense and thorny tree.

General information/special features: Plant in full sun. Shade intolerant. Fairly tough, drought tolerant and pH adaptable.

Landscape use and maintenance: Good ornamental tree that can be planted in small groups or as a specimen. Average growing rate. Average maintenance.

USDA Hardiness Zone: 4 to 8

Family/Origin: Rosaceae – Rose. Native to much of the eastern U.S.

Campus Use: Somewhat uncommon. Can be found northeast of Eyring Chemistry Building (Bld 85).