The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
Hawthorn trees(Crataegusspp.)
are pleasing, ornamental small trees and shrubs that are the perfect size for smaller options.
These trees have sweet, five-petal blossoms that arrive in the spring.
The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
They are sturdy and easy to grow.
With all of their positive attributes, these trees may have one major disadvantage.
Some, but not all, have intimidating thorns that can grow up to 3 inches long.
The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
Some types have also been bred to be resistant to growing thorns.
Many are also disease- and insect-resistant.
Choose a mild time of year, so the tree is not stressed when planted in the ground.
The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
This tree prefers well-drained soil, but hawthorns will tolerate poor soil, as well as pollution conditions.
They can grow up to around 30 feet wide.
Stake young trees to protect them from the wind.
The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
The thorns are strong and can cause dangerous piercing wounds.
Hawthorn Tree Care
Often, these species find themself susceptible to issues such as disease or insects.
While integrated pest management does help, the genus' issues have been addressed through selective cultivation and grafting.
Today in ornamental horticulture, the most popular hawthorns are grafted orcultivars.
Plan to do some research and find out what insects and diseases are in your area.
you might find this information from thePlant Sentinel Networkor your local extension service.
Pests and diseases aside, these are fairly low-maintenance trees.
Light
This flowering genus will do best in a location that receivesfull sun.
Placing the tree in a location with anything less will produce a noticeable drop in blossoms.
To do this, it’s best to water it weekly.
Then give it 10 gallons per inch every week for the next two seasons, remeasuring every so often.
Research the viability of a certain species or cultivar in yourhardiness zonebefore deciding to plant.
Fertilizer
Giving hawthorns an program offertilizerin the fall should be on your to-do list every year.
Being a flowering tree, it will benefit from the added boost of nutrients you provide it.
Apply a granular slow-release fertilizerformulated for flowering trees and shrubs, and your hawthorn will be bursting with blooms.
For the amount to use, follow product label instructions.
There are many selections ofCratageusavailable that are resistant to fire blight and rust which are equally beautiful.
You will need to find the right tree for your zone; the choices are endless.
This should be done annually in the fall after the tree has dropped its leaves.
Use clean, sharppruning shears.
You should continue training your hawthorn in this way until it is shaped into the desired form.
Prune hawthorn trees carefully.
Protect yourself with leather gloves, eye protection, and a helmet.
Their thorns can be dangerous.
Hawthorns most often suffer from hawthorn rust and fire blight.
Fire blight is a bacterial disease that kills blossoms, kill shoots, and damages branches.
In severe cases, it can be fatal.
Yellow and Dropping Leaves
The tree may have leaf spot.
Control this issue with fungicide spray.
Rust is brought on by excessive moisture on trees and in the soil around trees.
To alleviate this issue, avoid excessive watering and prune your tree to allow good airflow.
Use fungicides to control the problem.
you’re able to prevent blight by planting resistant varieties.
Its berries also provide food for a diverse population of birds and small wildlife.
The smell of hawthorn blossoms can be quite strong.
The fragrance is not always appreciated.
The fragrance is spicy, mixed with a bit of almond scent.
Hawthorn trees are known to live from 100 to 400 years.
The average life of this tree is about 175 to 250 years.
They grow about 1 to 2 feet a year, which is an average growth rate for trees.
Crataegus viridis.North Carolina State Extension.
North Carolina State Extension.
Hawthorn (Crataegus spp.
Pacific Northwest Extension, Oregon State University.
Hawthorn.University of Kentucky Department of Entomology.
Fire Blight Management Guidelines.
University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources.
Leaf Spot or Blight of Hawthorn.
University of Illinois Extension.
Fire Blight.University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources.
University of Rochester Medical Center.
