English Hawthorn (Crataegus laevigata)
English Hawthorn reaches a height 20 to 25 feet. It grows rapidly in a pyramidal form to about 20 feet, then the crown expands to become oval or irregular. Preferring to live in zones 4B to 8B, the tree tolerates most soils, growing well in clay, but prefers heavy, dry loam. The main ornamental feature is white, lavender, or pink flowers borne in spring and a good fall color. Some types produce ornamental scarlet fruits.
The tree casts heavy shade, and turf can not easily be grown underneath, if lower branches are left on the trunk. Persistent lower branches add to the ornamental characteristic of the tree and it makes a nice specimen in a lawn for all seasons when left unpruned. When lower branches are removed, this tough tree can be used as a street tree where overhead space is limited by powerlines or other features. Branches bear sharp thorns which can inflict pain as they meet flesh.
English Hawthorn Choices
Crimson Cloud(also known as `Superba ) is an English Hawthorn that grows rapidly in a pyramidal form to about 20 feet, then the crown expands to become oval or irregular. The main ornamental feature is white and red flowers borne in spring that together give the tree a deep pink color. Fruits are red and quite showy but do not cover the tree. This cultivar is nearly thornless and is preferred over the species. Flore-Plena has double, white flowers. Gireoudii has foliage that is variegated with white flowers and large red fruit. Masekii has pale rose, double flowers. Paulii (`Paul s Scarlet ) has deep pink, double flowers. Pendula has a weeping growth habit. Punica has single, pink flowers. Rosea has pink flowers. Stricta has an upright growth habit.
