Hawthorn: A Flowering Ornamental Tree
Hawthorns (Crataegus spp.) are a genus of small flowering deciduous trees belonging to the rose family (Rosaceae). The genus consists of over 380 species, some native to Pennsylvania. These fruit-bearing ornamental trees produce pome-like drupes, sometimes called haws or apples. Crataegus stems from the Greek kratos, meaning thorn, thus the common name of hawthorn. Hawthorns have protective, woody thorns ranging from 1 to 3 inches long. Some species have dense clusters of thorns, while others have fewer thorns. Reminiscent of apple blossoms, the five-petalled hawthorn flowers are borne in clusters. The dark green leaves have serrated and sometimes lobed margins. Some species bear leaves with fuzzy undersides. The trees have dense crowns with either pyramidal, rounded, or oval shapes. In the landscape, hawthorns stand out as small specimen trees or create a wow factor when planted en masse. Hawthorns show off in late spring with a profusion of blooms, typically white, but some are pink. In the autumn, fall foliage ranges from yellow to purple, depending on the species.
Many hawthorn species are suitable for the home garden and landscape. Flowers provide nectar for native pollinators each spring, while fruits provide winter food for songbirds. It is important to note that hawthorns are susceptible to fire blight, Erwinia amylovora, which begins with flower clusters turning dark brown or black and dying. Some species are more resistant to fire blight, as are some cultivars. Below is a short list of hawthorn species native to Pennsylvania.
Cockspur hawthorn, Crataegus crus-galli, native range from Vermont to Texas. Grows in sun to shade, preferring full sun with moist, well-drained soils. Thorny branches and scaly bark. Reaches heights of 20 to 35 feet. Foliage turns bright orange or red in the autumn, followed by red fruits that persist through January. Larval host for five species of hairstreak butterflies. Not salt tolerant. The thornless variety 'Inermis' is often sold as Crusader™.
Downy hawthorn, Crataegus mollis, native range from New York south to Alabama and west to North Dakota. Site in full sun to part shade in dry to moist, well-drained soils. Intermediate thorns on a silvery and scaly trunk reaching heights of 20 to 40 feet. Leaves are fuzzy underneath. White flowers in May and June. Tiny, red fruits and yellow foliage in the autumn.
Fireberry hawthorn, Crataegus chrysocarpa, native range from Newfoundland south to Virginia and west to Missouri. Found in full sun to part shade in moist soils. Smaller than most hawthorn species, 6 to 18 feet tall with multiple stems. White flowers with pink anthers and fruits that are brilliant red. Used in mass plantings as a border.
Fleshy hawthorn, Crataegus succulenta, native range from Quebec south to Georgia and west to Wyoming. Grows in sun to shade, prefers moist, very well-drained soils. Single to multi-stemmed trunks that range from 6 to 22 feet tall. White flowers appear in May or June and form plump, dark red fruits. The Herb Society of America recognized fleshy hawthorn as its Notable Native™ Tree of 2022. 'Jubilee' is a compact cultivar with orange and red fall foliage, plus drought and fire blight resistance.
Pennsylvania Hawthorn, Crataegus pennsylvanica, native range from New York to West Virginia. Site in sun or part-shade with moist, well-drained soil. This species is drought and wind-tolerant but not salt-tolerant. Grows to heights of 15 to 30 feet. Blooms in May with white flowers that form red fruits.
