treeN. America Native

Washington Hawthorn

Crataegus phaenopyrum

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Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Tree

Height

330 inches

Width

300 inches

Light

Full Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8

Water

Low to moderate

Humidity

Adaptable

Lifespan

Medium-lived tree (50-70 years)

Native To

Southeastern United States

Toxicity

Fruit is edible but seeds are toxic

The Story

Plant Bio

Crataegus phaenopyrum is a small, deciduous North American native tree celebrated for its true four-season appeal. It features abundant white flower clusters in spring, glossy green foliage in summer, brilliant fall color, and persistent red berries that last through winter. Among hawthorns, this species is particularly noted for its excellent disease resistance, especially to rusts. Its dense, thorny branches make it an outstanding choice for creating an impenetrable barrier or security hedge.

Bloom Period:

EarlyLate

Uses & Benefits:

Washington Hawthorn is a premier small ornamental tree, offering a succession of beauty: fragrant white flowers in spring, lustrous green leaves in summer, fiery orange and red foliage in fall, and bright red berries that persist all winter against bare branches.

The tree's sharp, dense thorns make it an ideal choice for a living fence or security barrier. Its tolerance of urban pollution, drought, and a wide range of soils makes it a tough and reliable street or landscape tree.

It is an ecological powerhouse. The flowers support a wide range of pollinators. The leaves are a food source for the larvae of several butterfly and moth species. The dense, thorny branches provide protected nesting sites for songbirds, and the persistent winter fruit is a vital food source for cedar waxwings, robins, and other birds.

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Where to Buy

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Planting

How to Grow

Select a site in full sun with well-drained soil.
Dig a planting hole that is twice as wide as the root ball.
Set the tree in the hole so the top of the root ball is level with the soil.
Backfill the hole with the native soil.
Water thoroughly after planting to settle the soil.
Mulch around the base, but keep it away from the trunk.

Pro Tip

Plant in full sun to ensure the best flowering, fruit production, fall color, and to promote good air circulation which minimizes disease.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Provide full sun for optimal performance.
Water regularly during the first year of establishment.
Prune in late winter while the tree is dormant.
Embrace its thorns for use as a barrier plant.

Don't

Do not plant in a shady location.
Avoid poorly drained or constantly wet soils.
Don't plant near cedar or juniper trees if rust is a major problem in your area.
Be cautious of thorns when pruning or siting the tree.

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

Excellent small specimen tree for urban lawnsImpenetrable thorny hedge or screenWildlife-attracting tree for naturalized areas

Companion Plants

Amelanchier arborea Cercis canadensis Viburnum prunifolium Schizachyrium scoparium (Little Bluestem) Echinacea purpurea

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Washington Hawthorn questions

What zones can Washington Hawthorn grow in?

Washington Hawthorn is hardy in USDA Zones 4–8. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Washington Hawthorn deer resistant?

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

When does Washington Hawthorn bloom?

Washington 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 Washington Hawthorn need full sun?

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

Is Washington Hawthorn drought tolerant?

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