Hawthorn (Crataegus × lavalleei)

Overview

The Hawthorn, scientifically known as Crataegus × lavalleei, stands out as a desirable, medium-sized ornamental tree celebrated for its spring white blossoms and persistent fall fruit. This cultivated hybrid offers gardeners an erect, somewhat oval silhouette, distinguishing it from many denser-growing hawthorn relatives. Its structure and manageable size make the Crataegus × lavalleei a strong focal point in smaller landscapes or open woodland settings.

This hardy specimen is adaptable, tolerating a variety of urban pollutants and moderately poor drainage conditions, provided the soil isn’t waterlogged. While it can grow large, it generally matures between 15 and 25 feet tall, providing moderate height interest without overpowering a yard. Gardeners appreciate this variety of Hawthorn for its reliable bloom time in May and its seasonal interest carried by persistent orange-red fruit late into winter.

Despite the presence of thorns, a well-placed Crataegus × lavalleei offers significant aesthetic value, transitioning nicely through the seasons from spring flowers to bronze-red fall foliage. Successful integration requires mindful placement away from high-traffic areas due to its armed structure, capitalizing instead on its appeal as a specimen or screening element.

Fast Facts

• Plant Family: Rosaceae
• Plant Type: Tree
• Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 4-7
• Size at Maturity:
  • Height: 15-25 ft
  • Spread: 10-18 ft
• Bloom Time: May
• Bloom Description: White
• Sun Exposure: Full sun
• Water Needs: Medium
• Maintenance Level: Medium

How to Grow

For optimal growth, plant Crataegus × lavalleei in the spring or fall when temperatures are moderate. Success relies on locating it in a spot that receives full sun, though it will tolerate light shade. Crucially, ensure the planting site offers average, well-drained soil, as good drainage is required even though this Hawthorn is adaptive.

Watering should be medium and consistent, especially while the tree is establishing deep roots during the first few seasons. Once mature, this Hawthorn exhibits some drought tolerance, though supplemental watering during prolonged dry spells is beneficial. Little specific fertilizing is typically needed if the initial soil conditions are adequate; over-fertilizing can encourage tender, disease-prone growth.

Maintenance for this Hawthorn is moderate, requiring attention to its structure and potential pest/disease issues detailed below. Pruning, if necessary, should be light and focused on removing crossing or dead branches immediately after flowering ends. Be mindful of its sharp thorns (up to 2” long) when conducting maintenance tasks near the tree.

This species benefits from its tolerance to urban pollutants, making it a resilient choice near streets or paved areas, provided aeration and drainage remain sufficient. Plan pruning and maintenance around the bloom period to avoid sacrificing next season’s flowers.

Landscape Uses

The Crataegus × lavalleei functions excellently as a small flowering landscape tree, perfect for brightening lawns or enriching the edge of open woodland areas where its form can be appreciated. Its 15 to 25-foot height allows it to serve as a delightful specimen tree that won’t overwhelm typical residential yards.

Due to the significant hazard posed by its long thorns, avoid planting this Hawthorn near walkways, patios, or areas frequented by young children. This drawback can be turned into an advantage, however, as these plants are highly effective when grown as dense barrier plants along property borders or incorporated into naturalized hedgerows where physical deterrence is desired.

When placing this ornamental tree, consider its late-season interest provided by the orange-red fruit, making it a good backdrop plant for contrasting evergreen shrubs or late-blooming perennials that flower in summer. If disease pressure is high in your area, prioritize the relatively better resistance of this particular Hawthorn variety.

Standout Features

Flower Qualities

• Showy
• Fragrant

Fruit Qualities

• Showy
• Edible

Noteworthy Characteristics

Crataegus × lavalleei is a cultivated hybrid hawthorn resulting from the cross between C. Stipulacea and C. Crus-galli, first documented around 1870 near Paris. This Hawthorn typically presents as a small oval to rounded tree, sometimes forming a large multi-stemmed shrub, noted for having fewer thorns than its C. Crus-galli parent. Its narrow elliptic leaves turn bronze-red in the fall, preceding the October ripening of showy, orange-red fruits that persist, offering winter interest.

Tolerances

• Tolerates light shade
• Tolerates some drought
• Tolerates many urban pollutants

Potential Problems

Most Hawthorns are susceptible to various pests and diseases, though C. Lavalleei reportedly shows better resistance to cedar hawthorn rust (present where red cedars are nearby) and fireblight. Other diseases common to the genus include fungal leaf spots, powdery mildew, cankers, apple scab, and various blights affecting leaves and twigs.

Potential insect pests requiring vigilance include aphids, borers, caterpillars, lacebugs, leafminers, and scale, alongside periodic outbreaks of red spider mites. In areas with high pressure, utilizing appropriate pesticide sprays might be necessary to keep the ornamental appeal of your Hawthorn intact.

A major cultural challenge remains the plant’s armament: thorns up to 2 inches long pose a risk to humans and pets, and necessitate careful planning during any pruning required for maintenance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What hardiness zones is Hawthorn suitable for?

The Crataegus × lavalleei is best grown in USDA Hardiness Zones 4 through 7.

How large does Hawthorn grow?

This Hawthorn typically reaches a mature height between 15 to 25 feet tall, with a spread ranging from 10 to 18 feet wide.

What sun exposure does Hawthorn need?

For the best flowering and overall health, Crataegus × lavalleei requires full sun exposure.

When does Hawthorn bloom?

This beautiful small tree produces white flowers during the month of May.

Conclusion

The Crataegus × lavalleei offers significant ornamental value through its striking white May blossoms and persistent, showy fruit, making it an attractive choice despite its thorns. This tough, medium-sized Hawthorn is remarkably adaptable to urban environments. Before planting, ensure your location falls within USDA Zones 4-7 and plan placements carefully to avoid pedestrian traffic near the armed branches.

Companion Planting

When selecting plants to grow near your Crataegus × lavalleei, focus on species that share similar sun and soil needs—full sun and well-drained conditions—while offering varied textures or bloom times. Consider pairing this tree with late-season bloomers like Coneflowers (Echinacea) or Sedum varieties, which thrive in similar bright, open conditions.

For groundcover beneath the canopy, ensure the companion planting is kept low-profile to avoid competing heavily for water near the root zone of the Hawthorn. Avoid planting junipers or cedars nearby if you are highly concerned about cedar hawthorn rust, even though this specific hybrid shows resistance.

Wildlife Benefits

Although the blossoms of the Hawthorn emit what some describe as an unpleasant fragrance, they are attractive to early spring pollinators emerging from dormancy. The primary wildlife benefit, however, comes from the abundant, persistent orange-red fruits, known as haws, which ripen in the fall.

These haws provide a crucial late-season and winter food source for numerous bird species when many other natural food sources have diminished. Planting several Crataegus × lavalleei specimens can effectively enhance local biodiversity, offering both cover and sustenance throughout the colder months.