Hawthorn
Crataegus crus-galli · Deciduous broadleaf hardwood
Plant Family
Rosaceae
Tree Category
Ornamental and fruiting small tree
Variety / Cultivar
Standard species type with characteristic unlobed leaves and thorns
Hardiness Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones 4 through 7, highly adaptable to various urban and rural soil conditions
About This Tree
A dense, multi-stemmed small tree featuring a rounded to spreading crown, dark green foliage, sharp thorns on the branches, clusters of white flowers in spring, and persistent small red pome fruits in winter
Leaf Characteristics
Simple, alternate leaves, obovate to spatulate in shape, finely serrated margins, glossy dark green fading to yellow or bronze in autumn
Bark Characteristics
Smooth reddish-brown bark on young branches, becoming scaly, fissured, and grayish-brown with prominent sharp thorns on older stems
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to eastern North America, widely adapted throughout temperate zones
Growing Season
Leafs out in early spring, flowers in mid-to-late spring, produces fruit in autumn, drops leaves in late fall
Sunlight & Water Needs
Requires full sun for best flowering and fruiting, adaptable to moderate moisture with good drought tolerance once established
Mature Size
Reaches a mature height of 20 to 30 feet with an equal or greater spread, growing at a slow to moderate rate
Special Characteristics
Exceptional tolerance to urban pollution, pruning, and drought, featuring sharp defensive thorns and persistent ornamental fruit
Wildlife & Ecology
Provides critical nesting cover and protection for birds due to dense thorny branches, while flowers feed pollinators and fruits sustain winter wildlife