The Washington Hawthorn - Crataegus phaenopyrum - is a small tree that grows in a widening pyramidal shape. When young the tree grow rapidly however this growth rate significantly slows with age. The average height of the Washington Hawthorn is 20-35 feet with a spread of 20-25 feet. This deciduous tree has an almost symmetrical natural pyramidal shape and a moderately dense crown.
Image Citation: T. Davis Sydnor, The Ohio State University, Bugwood.org
The flowers are small and very abundant, they appear in the late Spring and are closely followed by very showy orange to red fruit that remain well into winter. The fruit (berries) are enjoyed by a variety of songbirds and are an important food source. The fruit are round, fleshy in texture and small in size, not usually reaching more then a half of an inch in size. The leaves are green during the spring and summer seasons, changing to a very striking Orange to Red. The leaves are arranged alternately and are a simple ovate shape. The leaf length ranges from 2- 4 inches, each leaf is serrated and lobed.
Image Citation: T. Davis Sydnor, The Ohio State University, Bugwood.org
Image Citation: Dow Gardens , Dow Gardens, Bugwood.org
The Washington Hawthorn requires full sun exposure and pruning to maintain a strong structure. The tree is tolerant of a variety of soils, some drought conditions and some salt exposure. It is resistant to verticillium wilt but very sensitive to various pests, blights, and diseases- as are most Hawthorns. When properly pruned/maintained it is a very useful street tree where there is not heavy foot traffic. The thorns are about three inches long and can be painful if contacted by bear skin. When left unpruned the branches will droop down to the ground creating almost a screen effect, this could make for a lovely specimen tree. Older weakened trees and branches are susceptible to splitting during ice storms.
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