Crataegus mollis (Downy Hawthorn)

Crataegus mollis, commonly known as the Downy Hawthorn or White Thorn, is a remarkable species within the Rosaceae family, offering aesthetic beauty, ecological benefits, and historical significance.

The Downy Hawthorn is a deciduous tree known for its attractive, broad canopy and horizontally spreading branches. Its name, “mollis,” meaning “soft” in Latin, refers to the downy hairs on the undersides of the leaves.

Crataegus mollis: An In-depth Look

Native: This North American native is commonly found in the eastern United States, stretching from the Midwest to the Southeast. It thrives in various landscapes, from the edges of forests to open fields or prairies. It was introduced into European gardens as early as 1683.

Plant Type and Habit: Typically growing as a small to medium-sized tree, Downy Hawthorn exhibits a tall trunk and a rounded habit with a dense branching structure and thorny stems, creating a lush, green presence in the spring and summer months.

Size: The Downy Hawthorn typically reaches heights of 20 to 40 feet (6-12 meters) with a similar spread, making it an ideal choice for urban landscapes or as a focal point in residential gardens.

Flowers: In mid to late spring, the tree produces flat-topped clusters of large, white, rose-like flowers approximately an inch (2.5 cm) in diameter, which are a highlight for pollinators. Blooming lasts for several weeks.

Fruits: By late summer to early fall, the flowers give way to small, bright red pomes (a type of fruit), which persist into winter and provide a food source for various bird species.

Foliage: The broadly oval leaves, spanning 2 to 5 inches (5-12 cm) in length and 2 to 4 inches (5-10 cm) in width, are arranged alternately and sharply serrated. They possess a distinctive grayish hue during summer, transitioning to a vibrant palette of yellow, bronze, or bronze-red in the fall.

Bark: The bark of mature trees is scaly and silvery, providing visual interest, especially in the winter when the tree is bare.

Hardiness: Downy Hawthorn is hardy in USDA zones 3-6, showcasing a significant resilience to cold.

Uses: Its uses are varied, including ornamental plantings due to its beautiful flowers and colorful autumn leaves and habitat plantings because it provides food and shelter for wildlife. Ideal for urban settings due to pollution tolerance, it’s used in naturalized or wildlife gardens, hedges, and windbreaks. The wood, tough and heavy, has been used for tool handles and other small items.

Wildlife: The fruits are a crucial food source for numerous birds and mammals during the fall and winter, while the dense branches offer shelter and nesting sites. The spring flowers are a nectar source for pollinators like bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, essential for maintaining ecological balance. Downy Hawthorn is particularly enticing to several bird species, including the American Robin, Brown Thrasher, Cedar Waxwing, Gray Catbird, Northern Cardinal, and Northern Mockingbird. Its abundant berries and dense foliage provide essential food and shelter, making it a favored habitat for these avian visitors.

Deer and Rabbits: Downy Hawthorn is deer-resistant.

Drought: Once established, Crataegus mollis exhibits good drought tolerance, making it suitable for regions with occasional water shortages.

Toxicity: The seeds inside the hawthorn fruits contain cyanide precursors and are toxic if consumed in large quantities. Proper caution should be exercised to prevent ingestion by children and pets.

How to Grow and Care for Downy Hawthorn

Light: Full sun to partial shade; thrives with more sunlight.

Soil: Adaptable to various soil types as long as they are well-drained.

Water: Moderate water needs; consistent moisture beneficial, especially in dry conditions.

Fertilizer: Apply a balanced slow-release fertilizer in early spring; mature trees require less.

Pruning: Best in late winter; remove dead, diseased branches or for shape; avoid heavy pruning.

Propagation: Propagate by seed or by grafting. Seeds require stratification and may take up to 18 months to germinate.

Pests and Diseases: Hawthorns are susceptible to cedar-hawthorn rust, quince rust, and fire blight. Other potential diseases include apple scab, leaf spot, and powdery mildew. Potential insect pests include aphids, borers, leaf miners, lace bugs, spider mites, and scales.