Hawthorn Tree ( Crataegus ) are belittled , versatile trees that make good relief for other more normally grow trees , such as cultivated crab apple . Native to the United States , hawthorn tree diagram can be found growing wild in rural areas or engraft as informal hedgerows .

Hawthorn tree diagram also have a long history in Britain , where they figure largely in many old folk tales . The flowers were sometimes used for decorating outdoor lei , but it was tabu to bestow them indoors , because they purportedly add destruction and bad luck . The peak were say to sense like the Great Plague of London .

The trees typically have a rounded , dense habit or an upright habit , calculate on the cultivar , and grow 15 to 25 infantry tall . They ’re handle with red , white or pink efflorescence in the saltation , keep abreast by attractive , diminished fruits that persist through most of the wintertime . Hawthorn trees stomach a wide smorgasbord of soil conditions , including drought , stiff and alkaline stain , and they tolerate compaction and street pollution , make them desirable for urban area . The primary drawback to haw is their thorns , which can acquire 3 inch long . Avoid implant them where children play or in main entry .

hawthorn tree

Planting Hawthorn Trees

Hawthorn trees are available in nurseries as seedling or grafted trees . They are best planted in spring . comprehend a muddle as deep and doubly as wide as the rootball . pose the tree in the hole so it sits 1 inch or so above the surrounding filth . Fill the hole half full with soil and add 2 congius of body of water . Allow the water supply to drain before filling the maw with the remaining grime . tamp down the soil down lightly .

Plant haw trees in full or fond sun . Water them frequently the first season after planting . Thereafter , irrigate them when conditions are dry . Hawthorn tree diagram engraft in an irrigated lawn rarely necessitate extra water system . Do n’t feed hawthorn tree straight off after establish . The following spring , you could fertilize with ¼ cup of 10 - 10 - 10 fertilizer spread in a 4 foundation circle around the radical of the Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree .

Hawthorn trees have a dense form and do n’t need a lot of pruning . Prune them in winter to remove dead branch or start the Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree up to more light . rationalise back any branches that grow vertically . Also remove any suckers that grow from the base of the tree diagram . weary glove when pruning haw because of the spikelet .

Hawthorn Tree Varieties

Washington haw ( Crataegus phaenopyrum)grows in zone 3 to 8 . This cultivar has thorns , white flowers and an just , humbled - branching form . It reaches 30 feet tall and wide .

Cockspur hawthorn ( genus Crataegus crus - galli)grows in zona 3 to 7 and is valued for its rounded form and a profusion of ashen flower in the leaping . This tree diagram is hard thorned , although a thornless variety is available . The white flowers may emit an unpleasant odor . Cockspur haw typically grows 25 human foot marvelous and encompassing .

Lavalle hawthorn ( Crataegus x lavallei)thrives in zona 3 through 7 . It has large , glossy foliage , 3 inch , white blossom and brilliant fall foliage . Lavalle haw is a heavyset hybrid , growing only 20 feet tall .

Hawthorn Pests and Problems

Hawthorns are relate to rosebush , and like orchard apple tree and crabapples , are susceptible to fireblight and rusting . Avoid planting them in area prone to these disease or select resistant varieties . Hawthorns may become infested with aphids , scale or mites . Treat these insect with insecticidal oil or goop .

Want to learn more about growing hawthorn trees?

Visit the take after helpful links : Hawthorns in the Landscapefrom the Ohio State University ExtensionHawthorn Diseasesfrom Pennsylvania State University Extension

see more about the magical qualities ( ! ? ! ? ) of the Hawthorn treeon YouTube .