PlantFiles: Washington Hawthorn
Crataegus phaenopyrum

One of the least common grown of the two commonly planted species of Hawthorn here in Minnesota. Its lobed leaves gaves it away as Washington Hawthorn while Crataegus crus-galli have non lobed leaves but comes in two variety - thorned and non thorned. The only difference into telling this species from other flowering small trees like Prunus, Malus, and other member of the Apple family is by the branching pattern which is distinct and look almost regular. It also doesn't grow rapidly, creating thick short branches over time. To contract the above statement, there is very few heavily flowering tree that is not immune to at least one major disease or have galls or spots. White Fringetree is a example of the few heavily flowering tree that doesn't get major diseases for zone 4 but prefer acidic soil.

I tried to grow these from seedlings, but gave up due to persistent unsightly fungus infections. It was "Quince rust" or "Cedar-quince rust". Removing the infected branches doesn't help, because the fungus lives on juniper as an alternate host, and the spores blow over and re-infect the Hawthornes. Regular fungicide spraying will keep it at bay, but I saw no need to sign on for a lifetime of that. There are many other small flowering trees without a fungus problem, so use one of them instead.

I live in the Philadelphia area and we have great success with the winter King Hawthorn. It makes quite a show in winter. Longwood Gardens in Kennet Square,PA has a most beautiful stand of these trees which are a treat to see in the snow.

The red berries can be eaten raw. (The seeds inside the berries are not edible.) Hawthorn berry is good for the heart. Throughout Europe, Hawthorn berry is recognized as a safe and effective treatment for the early stages of congestive heart failure.

Prefers moist, well-drained soils in full sun, but is tolerant of poor soils, various soil pHs, compacted soils, drought, heat, and Winter salt spray. Great ornamental attributes for each season of the year.

Crataegus translates as "strength", referring to its wood strength - phaenopyrum translates as "with the appearance of a pear", possibly referring to its pendulous branches when weighted down with ripe fruits, that somewhat resemble the strained appearance of pear tree branches

White flowers in early June start the color show. Reddish-purple leaves turn dark green, then orange, scarlet or purple. Small, glossy red fruits stay on tree into winter, and are preferred by songbirds. Grows to 25'to 30',25' spread.