Hawthorn (Crataegus coccinea)

Overview

The Crataegus coccinea, commonly known as Hawthorn, is a valuable native ornamental tree prized for its four-season interest across Eastern North America. It quickly establishes itself as a dense, broad-rounded specimen, making it an excellent focal point in smaller landscapes or open woodland settings. Gardeners appreciate this Hawthorn for its dependable spring display of white flowers followed by persistent, bright scarlet fruit.

Though relatively adaptable, the Crataegus coccinea does require well-drained soil and full sun exposure for optimal health. It provides structural interest throughout the year, starting with its horizontal branching structure and armed with sharp thorns that can serve a functional purpose. For those seeking native species that offer wildlife value and vibrant fall color changes, this tree is a strong contender.

This small to medium-sized tree offers a classic aesthetic appeal, often taking the form of a large, multi-stemmed shrub when young. While maintenance is rated as medium due to potential disease pressures, a well-sited and cared-for Crataegus coccinea rewards the patient gardener with beauty well into the winter months.

Fast Facts

• Plant Family: Rosaceae
• Plant Type: Tree
• Native Range: Eastern North America
• Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 4-7
• Size at Maturity:
  • Height: 20-25 ft
  • Spread: 20-25 ft
• Bloom Time: May
• Bloom Description: White
• Sun Exposure: Full sun
• Water Needs: Medium
• Maintenance Level: Medium

How to Grow

Planting the Hawthorn is best achieved in spring or fall, ensuring the site offers full sun exposure. The most critical cultural requirement for Crataegus coccinea is ensuring the soil is well-drained. While it tolerates a wide range of soil types, poor drainage will severely hamper its long-term health.

Ongoing care involves maintaining medium moisture levels, especially during establishment. This species shows some drought tolerance once mature, lessening watering demands during dry spells. Fertilization is generally unnecessary unless the soil is extremely poor. Pruning should be approached cautiously; while necessary to shape the tree and remove deadwood, the inherent thorns make the task more challenging. Always prune during the dormant season.

In terms of urban suitability, the Crataegus coccinea is noted for tolerating many urban pollutants, making it a resilient choice for city parks or residential lots. Be mindful of its susceptibility to various diseases; proactive monitoring is part of its medium maintenance requirements. If conditions are overly humid or crowded, increased airflow can help mitigate fungal issues.

Landscape Uses

As a small flowering landscape tree, the Hawthorn excels in open woodland areas or as a specimen planting on lawns where its form can be fully appreciated. Its compact spread of 20-25 feet means it fits well into moderate-sized yards where larger shade trees would overwhelm the space. The bright scarlet fruit, persisting into winter, provides essential color when many other landscape elements fade.

However, gardeners must account for the long, sharp thorns present on the branches. Therefore, avoid planting this Crataegus coccinea near pathways, patios frequented by small children, or areas requiring high levels of pedestrian traffic. Its thorny nature makes it incredibly effective when utilized as a barrier planting on property borders or incorporated into traditional European hedgerows.

For companion planting, pair this tree with shrubs that enjoy similar full sun and well-drained conditions, perhaps accenting the base with spring bulbs that bloom before the Hawthorn canopy fully leafs out. The ornamental value is high, provided its placement minimizes safety risks associated with its natural defenses.

Standout Features

Flower Qualities

• Showy
• Fragrant

Fruit Qualities

• Showy
• Edible

Noteworthy Characteristics

Crataegus coccinea, commonly called scarlet hawthorn or Ontario hawthorn, is native to eastern North America, occurring across southern Quebec, southern Ontario, and south into the US from Maine to Minnesota. It matures into a small, dense, broad-rounded tree, usually reaching 20 to 25 feet tall, characterized by horizontal branching armed with thorns up to 2 inches long. The dark green ovate leaves turn appealing shades of orange to purple-red in autumn before the signature scarlet fruits ripen, often persisting into early winter.

Tolerances

• Tolerates light shade

Potential Problems

Pests and diseases are a significant concern for most hawthorns, including this variety. Plants are particularly susceptible to cedar hawthorn rust when Eastern Red Cedars are nearby, as well as fireblight, which requires prompt removal of infected tissue. Control of fungal leaf spots, powdery mildew, and apple scab may be necessary in humid environments; applying appropriate fungicide sprays might be advisable where these issues are persistent.

Insect pests commonly target the foliage and branches, including aphids, borers, scale, and leafminers. Monitoring regularly during the growing season helps catch infestations early before they require intensive chemical intervention. Furthermore, the prominent thorns are a notable drawback, posing risks to people and significantly complicating routine pruning tasks for the gardener.

Frequently Asked Questions

What hardiness zones is Hawthorn suitable for?

This resilient Hawthorn variety, Crataegus coccinea, is reliably hardy in USDA Zones 4 through 7.

How large does Hawthorn grow?

When mature, this tree typically reaches a height and spread between 20 and 25 feet, forming a dense, rounded silhouette.

What sun exposure does Crataegus coccinea need?

For best flowering and overall health, Crataegus coccinea requires full sun exposure, although it tolerates light shade.

When does Hawthorn bloom?

The blooms appear in May, producing showy, fragrant white flowers before developing into scarlet fruit later in the season.

Conclusion

The Crataegus coccinea offers distinct aesthetic value through its spring blossoms and persistent, colorful fruit, anchored by its native hardiness in Eastern North America. Despite the moderate maintenance required to manage potential diseases common to the Hawthorn genus, its structural presence remains highly attractive. Before planting, ensure your site drains well and plan pruning carefully around those long thorns.

Wildlife Benefits

The fruits produced by the Crataegus coccinea are a vital late-season and winter food source for numerous bird species. While technically edible for humans, leaving the scarlet “haws” on the branch ensures wildlife has sustenance, making this tree an excellent addition to a food forest or backyard dedicated to supporting local fauna.

Companion Planting

Due to its need for full sun and well-drained soil, pair this Hawthorn with other sun-loving, relatively low-maintenance species. Consider using slower-growing, deep-rooted perennials or smaller shrubs underneath that will not compete aggressively for surface water. Avoid planting near junipers if cedar-apple rust is a known problem in your region, as the cedar is an alternate host for the pathogen affecting the Crataegus coccinea.