Hawthorn, Washington, Bare Root

Washington Hawthorn (Crataegus phaenopyrum)

A small tree with white late-spring flowers, red fruit, and thorny branching. Its dense structure suits a habitat edge where people do not need to brush past the stems.

Key Characteristics

Fruit beside protected cover

Cedar waxwings, wild turkeys, and quail use the fruit. Dense, thorny branches put shelter near the feeding area.

Flowers and host foliage

Flowers offer nectar to insects, and gray hairstreak larvae can use the plant. Keep healthy leaf feeding in perspective when managing a habitat tree.

Choose the location carefully

Allow clearance from paths and livestock handling areas because of the thorns. Place where the mature crown can remain open and well ventilated.

Product Details

• Native range: Southeastern and central-eastern United States
• Life cycle: Deciduous woody perennial tree
• Sun: Full Sun; Part Sun/Shade
• Soil moisture: Medium-Dry; Medium; Medium-Wet
• Mature height: 25–30 feet; varies with seedling and site
• Bloom time: May–June
• Bloom color: White
• USDA hardiness zones: 4–8
• Fruit or seed: Small red pomes for birds and wildlife.
• Pollination: Insect-pollinated; multiple genetically distinct seedlings can support a fruiting habitat planting.

Planting and Ongoing Care

Keep bare roots moist until planting and spread roots without bending them into a tight hole. Water during establishment, mulch clear of the trunk, and protect young trees from browsing and mowing damage. Base feeding on a soil test; our Tree Planting Kit fertilizer blend can be used according to its label when needed.

Watch for rust, fire blight, and leaf spots. Maintain airflow and remove diseased wood with appropriate timing. Avoid insecticides on open flowers. These are seedlings rather than selected clones, so growth, flowering, and fruiting vary.