Crataegus phaenopyrum (Washington Hawthorn)

Crataegus phaenopyrum (Washington Hawthorn) is a small, low-branching, deciduous tree of graceful habit with a dense, broadly oval to rounded crown. It is generously covered in dense clusters of creamy-white flowers in late spring to early summer and provides a spectacular floral display. Its strongly horizontal branches are clothed in summer with glossy leaves adorned with 3-5 pointed lobes. Like most hawthorns, they are well-armed with slender thorns, about 1-3 in. long (2-7 cm). In the fall, the foliage turns glorious shades of scarlet, orange, and purple. Adding their charm to the show are shiny red round fruits clustered among the glowing leaves. Attractive to wild birds, they adorn the branches well into winter. It is the last hawthorn to flower and is also the most heat-tolerant hawthorn. More elegant and delicate than others, it is also the least prone to fireblight. The flamboyant flowers and blazing fall color make it one of the showiest and most desirable hawthorns for planting.

Washington 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.

• Grows up to 25 ft. tall (7.5 m) and 20 ft. wide (6 m).
• A full sun lover, this tree is easily grown in dry to moist, well-drained soils. Adapts to many types of soil, including those that contain loam, some clay, rocky material, or sand.
• Perfect as a specimen tree for cottage gardens.
• 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 or grafting.
• Native to southern US.