tree RHS AwardN. America Native

Winter King Hawthorn

Crataegus viridis 'Winter King'

Not currently listed at our partner nurseries.

Expertly Curated

Real-Time Pricing

Loved by Designers

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Tree

Height

300 inches

Width

300 inches

Light

Full Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7

Water

Low to medium

Humidity

Adaptable

Lifespan

Medium-lived deciduous tree

Native To

Southeastern United States

Toxicity

Fruit is edible but seeds contain cyanide.

The Story

Plant Bio

Crataegus viridis, or Green Hawthorn, is a small, tough North American native tree known for its adaptability, spring flowers, and persistent fruit. 'Winter King' is a superior cultivar celebrated for its four-season interest: abundant white spring flowers, silvery exfoliating bark, excellent fall color, and a profusion of bright red berries that persist through winter.

Bloom Period:

EarlyLate

Uses & Benefits:

'Winter King' is a true four-season ornamental. It offers clusters of white flowers in spring, glossy green leaves in summer, good fall color, and most notably, a massive crop of bright red berries that persist all winter, often contrasting beautifully with snow. Its muscular, silvery, exfoliating bark adds further winter appeal.

This is a tough, adaptable small tree suitable for difficult urban conditions, including tolerance for drought, clay soil, and pollution. Its dense, often thorny branches can form an effective barrier or screen. Its small size makes it suitable for planting under power lines.

As a native species, it is an ecological powerhouse. The flowers provide nectar for a wide array of pollinators. The foliage is a food source for the larvae of several butterfly and moth species. The abundant winter fruit is a critical food source for many bird species, including cedar waxwings and robins.

Marketplace

Where to Buy

We couldn't find this plant listed online right now.

Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping

Planting

How to Grow

Select a site in full sun with average, well-drained soil.
Dig a hole two to three times wider than the root ball.
Place the tree in the hole, ensuring the top of the root ball is level with the soil.
Backfill with the original soil, firming it gently.
Water deeply after planting to settle the soil.
Mulch around the base to conserve moisture and suppress weeds.

Pro Tip

Site this tree where its thorns will not be a hazard to foot traffic, but where its persistent winter berries can be enjoyed.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Provide full sun for best flowering and fruiting.
Water regularly during the first year of establishment.
Prune to develop a strong framework when the tree is young.
Appreciate its winter silhouette, bark, and berries.

Don't

Do not plant in heavy shade, which reduces flowering and fruiting.
Avoid planting in poorly drained, waterlogged areas.
Don't shear into a formal shape; allow its natural form to develop.
Be cautious of the sharp thorns on branches.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Pest Check
Plant
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Outstanding four-season specimen treeSmall tree for urban landscapesWildlife-attracting garden accent

Companion Plants

Echinacea purpurea Panicum virgatum Amelanchier laevis Viburnum nudum 'Winterthur' Aster novae-angliae

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Winter King Hawthorn questions

What zones can Winter King Hawthorn grow in?

Winter King Hawthorn is hardy in USDA Zones 4–7. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Winter King Hawthorn deer resistant?

Yes — Winter King Hawthorn is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Winter King Hawthorn bloom?

Winter King Hawthorn typically blooms in late spring through early summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Winter King Hawthorn need full sun?

Winter King Hawthorn does best in full sun (6+ hours).

Is Winter King Hawthorn drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Winter King Hawthorn handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.