Washington Hawthorn
crataegus phaenopyrum
Also known as: ["Washington Thorn","Southern Hawthorn"]
Overview
A deciduous tree native to North America, known for its showy white flowers, bright red berries, and thorny branches.
Benefits & Perks
["long-flowering","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","seasonal color change","aesthetic foliage"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Rosales |
| Family: | Rosaceae |
| Genus: | Crataegus |
| Botanical Name: | Crataegus phaenopyrum |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Trees
- Suitable Location: outdoor garden bed or container in a location with good air circulation
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"–25–40°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"4–8"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if grown in very dry indoor conditions
- Drainage: Moderately well-draining to well-draining; avoid heavy clay soils that retain water.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, loamy soil with organic matter; tolerates a range of soils but prefers fertile conditions.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: Annually in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of old wood to rejuvenate growth.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun (6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily); tolerates partial shade but may produce fewer flowers and fruits.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually to full sun if moved from shade; protect from intense midday sun in hot climates; ensure good air circulation to prevent sunburn or scorching.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderateModerate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Rotate plant for even light exposure; use shade cloth in extreme heat; avoid placing near reflective surfaces that intensify sunlight.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, less frequently in winter
Water thoroughly until runoff, allow soil to dry between waterings, avoid overhead watering to prevent leaf diseases.
Soil
well-drained, loamy soil with moderate fertility
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Ensure good drainage to prevent root rot; amend soil with organic matter for fertility; test pH periodically and adjust if necessary.
Temperature
Hardy in USDA zones 4–8; tolerates temperatures from -25°F to 100°F; prefers cool winters and warm summers for optimal growth.
Protect from late spring frosts; water early to avoid heat stress; adjust watering based on seasonal temperature changes.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer with balanced liquid fertilizer
Fertilize only in spring; water well before and after application; avoid fertilizing in late summer to prevent new growth vulnerable to frost.
Propagation
Methods
Softwood cuttings taken in late spring or early summer; also can be propagated by seed, though this is slower and may not retain parental traits.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take 4–6 inch cuttings, remove lower leaves, dip in rooting hormone, plant in medium, keep moist and warm.
Best Time: Late spring to early summer when new growth is firm but not woody.
Environment
Warm, humid environment with indirect light; maintain consistent moisture without waterlogging.
Medium
Well-draining potting mix with perlite or sand; can also root in water initially.
Hormone
Rooting hormone is recommended to improve success rates.
Timeline
Roots may develop in 4–8 weeks; plants can be transplanted after one growing season.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, small pots, well-draining medium, misting spray bottle.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, disease-free cuttings; maintain high humidity with a plastic bag or dome; avoid direct sunlight during rooting.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Thinning cuts to remove entire branches back to the trunk or main branches; heading cuts to shorten branches and encourage lateral growth.
Pruning Plan
Prune to maintain shape, remove dead or diseased wood, and encourage airflow and light penetration; focus on structural improvement rather than heavy shaping.
Tools
Pruning shears, loppers, saw (for larger branches), disinfectant for tools.
Checklist
Disinfect tools, prune dead/diseased wood first, make clean cuts, avoid over-pruning.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before active growth begins.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 2–3 inches in diameter; ensure the new pot has drainage holes.
Method
Remove plant gently, trim any circling roots, place in a slightly larger pot with fresh soil, water thoroughly after repotting.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the container; necessary to refresh soil and provide space for growth.
Checklist
Choose appropriate pot size, prepare fresh soil mix, trim roots if necessary, water after repotting, place in appropriate light.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture, water deeply, ensure drainage, avoid wetting foliage.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone; water early in the morning to minimize evaporation and fungal growth; ensure excess water drains away to prevent waterlogging.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once the top inch of soil is dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.
Soil Improvement
Add compost or well-rotted manure to enhance fertility and structure; incorporate perlite or sand to improve drainage in heavy soils.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Leaf scorch (brown, crispy edges) in excessive heat; leaf drop or dieback in prolonged cold; delayed bud break in unseasonably warm winters.
Cold Stress
Leaves may curl or drop; twigs and branches can die back; reduced flowering or fruiting in subsequent seasons.
Solution: Mulch heavily around the base to insulate roots; protect young or tender plants with burlap screens; avoid pruning in late autumn to prevent frost damage.
Hot Stress
Wilting despite moist soil; leaf scorch or yellowing; reduced vigor and fruit production.
Solution: Provide afternoon shade in extreme heat; increase watering frequency; apply a thick layer of mulch to retain soil moisture.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use balanced fertilizer, apply in spring, water after application, avoid late-season feeding.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring before new growth; avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers to prevent excessive foliage at the expense of flowers/fruits.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Slightly ToxicSimilar to dogs, cats may experience mild toxicity if they ingest large quantities of the seeds of Crataegus phaenopyrum due to cyanogenic glycosides. The plant is otherwise non-toxic to cats.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten in large quantities
Dogs
Slightly ToxicThe seeds of Crataegus phaenopyrum contain cyanogenic glycosides, which can cause mild toxicity in dogs if ingested in large quantities. The rest of the plant is generally safe for dogs.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten in large quantities
Humans
Non-toxicCrataegus phaenopyrum, commonly known as Washington hawthorn, is generally considered non-toxic to humans. However, ingestion of large quantities of seeds may cause mild gastrointestinal discomfort due to the presence of cyanogenic glycosides.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten in large quantities
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is the Washington Hawthorn tree suitable for small gardens?
A: Yes, but it can grow up to 25 feet tall, so ensure there is enough space.
Q: Are the berries of the Washington Hawthorn edible?
A: The berries are edible but tart; they are often used in jams and jellies.
Q: Does the Washington Hawthorn attract wildlife?
A: Yes, it attracts birds and other wildlife due to its berries and flowers.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Rosaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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