All About Hawthorns:
Scientific Nomenclature: Crataegus var.
Common Names: hawthorn, quickthorn, thorn apple, maytree, hawberry
Varietals: winterking hawthorn, green hawthorn, Washington hawthorn, etc.
Mature Height: 15–25 feet
Mature Spread: 10–20 feet
Growth Rate: Moderate
Attracts Wildlife: Pollinators and select species of moth
Messiness: Small flowers bloom in spring and have a foul odor. Leaves drop in autumn. Fruits are small pomes that mature in autumn and drop shortly after.
Shape: Round
Native to Kentucky: No
Preferred Soils: Prefers moist, well-drained loam but tolerates most sites. Tolerates acidic (<6.0pH), neutral (6.0–8.0pH) and alkaline (>8.0pH) soils. Preference and tolerance are generally dependent on the cultivar.
Screening: Can be used as a screening/privacy hedge.
Drought Tolerance: Is generally intolerant of drought but can be dependent on the cultivar.
Coniferous or Deciduous: Deciduous
Pruning: If planted as a screening shrub or as a privacy hedge, pruning is required to maintain its form. Hawthorns should be pruned regularly in late winter, no matter the planting site. They have a tendency to sucker and form a thicket over time if unmaintained.
Climate Quick Facts:
Following being planted as a sapling, over 20 years one hawthorn varietal will:
- Sequester ~817 pounds of CO2.
- Reduce stormwater runoff by 316.5 gallons.