Crataegus laevigata (English Hawthorn)
Midland Hawthorn, May, Albespyne, Bird Eagles, English Hawthorn, Quickset Thorn, Quickthorn, Whitethorn
Noted for its profuse spring blossoms, Crataegus laevigata (English Hawthorn) is a small, low-branching, deciduous tree with a dense, rounded crown of ascending, stiff, zig-zag branches. They are well armed with thorns, 1 in. long (2.5 cm), and clad with glossy, dark green, 3 to 5-lobed leaves. In mid to late spring, a profusion of white flowers held in clusters (corymbs) along the branches provide a spectacular spring floral display. The blossoms are followed by red fruits in fall. The foliage develops no appreciable fall color. This beautiful species is common in hedgerows throughout Great Britain.
- Grows up to 15-20 ft. tall and wide (4-6 m).
- A full sun lover, this tree is easily grown in moist, well-drained soils.
- Perfect as a specimen tree for cottage gardens, town, coastal or exposed gardens. Can be used for hedging.
- Requires only minimal pruning in late winter or early spring, to remove damaged, diseased or misplaced growth.
- Keep an eye out for caterpillars, gall mites, aphids, leaf spots and fireblight.
- Propagate by seed
- Native to Europe and North Africa
- Fruit may cause mild stomach upset if ingested
Not sure which Crataegus - Hawthorns to pick?
Compare All Crataegus - Hawthorns
Buy Crataegus laevigata (English Hawthorn)
Requirements
Hardiness | 5
– 8 |
---|---|
Heat Zones | 3
– 8 |
Climate Zones | 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 14, 15, 16, 17, A2, A3 |
Plant Type | Trees |
Plant Family | Crataegus - Hawthorns |
Exposure | Full Sun |
Season of Interest |
Spring (Mid,Late) Fall |
Height | 15' – 20' (4.5m – 6m) |
Spread | 15' – 20' (4.5m – 6m) |
Water Needs | Average |
Maintenance | Average |
Soil Type | Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Showy, Fruit & Berries |
Native Plants | United Kingdom |
Attracts | Birds, Butterflies |
Garden Uses | Hedges and Screens |
Garden Styles | Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow, Traditional Garden |
By Przemyslaw Muszynski, ZGD, Dabjola, Shutterstock
While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
Requirements
Hardiness | 5
– 8 |
---|---|
Heat Zones | 3
– 8 |
Climate Zones | 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 14, 15, 16, 17, A2, A3 |
Plant Type | Trees |
Plant Family | Crataegus - Hawthorns |
Exposure | Full Sun |
Season of Interest |
Spring (Mid,Late) Fall |
Height | 15' – 20' (4.5m – 6m) |
Spread | 15' – 20' (4.5m – 6m) |
Water Needs | Average |
Maintenance | Average |
Soil Type | Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Showy, Fruit & Berries |
Native Plants | United Kingdom |
Attracts | Birds, Butterflies |
Garden Uses | Hedges and Screens |
Garden Styles | Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow, Traditional Garden |