Green Hawthorn is probably one of the most common hawthorns available on the market, frequently sold under the ‘Winter King’ cultivar. It provides 4 seasons of interest, with white flowers in the spring, bright red berries in the summer, bronze to red foliage in the fall, and bark that peels off in the winter to reveal orange inner bark. Green hawthorn is also considered a keystone species for butterflies and the berries are favored by birds. It is an excellent plant for use in all types of yards, especially due to its tolerance for urban pollution.

Care requirements:

Light requirements: Full Sun

Water requirements: Low-Medium

Soil requirements: Dry-Medium, well-drained

Bloom time: April-May

Bloom color: White

Height: 25-30 feet

Width: 25-30 feet

USDA Zone: 4-7

Larval host: Kings hairstreak, Gray hairstreak, Soapberry Hairstreak, Banded Hairstreak, Red-Banded Hairstreak buterflies

Other notes: This hawthorn is resistant to leaf rust, unlike most other hawthorn species. It is resistant to drought and does have some light shade tolerance. It tolerates pruning into a shrub shape. Most commonly available as the ‘Winter King’ cultivar, which is largely thornless but may sometimes have small thorns under 1.5 inches in length. It will eventually spread to form a thicket and can sometimes grow as tall as 50 feet. It can grow in moist, rich soils but that may encourage unwanted succulent growth. The Crataegus genus is considered a keystone species, supporting 131 different butterflies.

Do you have Crataegus viridis growing in your garden? Do you have any tips or tricks for growing it you would like to share? Do you know of any Southeastern nurseries that regularly stock it? Let us know in the comments!