Washington Hawthorn Tree

The Washington hawthorn is quite possibly the best of all the ornamental hawthorns -- and that's saying a great deal, since they are a particularly showy and useful group of trees. It is especially interesting because of its resistance to fireblight, a disease that severely limits the use of many hawthorns.

washington hawthorn tree
Washington hawthorn tree is
a hearty fruit tree. See more  
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Description of Washington hawthorn tree: A tall shrub or small tree, it grows to about 25 feet. Growth is rather columnar at first, eventually becoming rounded. The clustered spring flowers are white and numerous. The Washington hawthorn forms a thorny, horizontally branched crown clothed in a dense mass of dark green, lustrous foliage. The leaves turn orange-red in the fall, then drop to reveal an abundant crop of bright red berries.

Growing Washington hawthorn tree: Full sun and most soil conditions suit it well, although it does poorly in dry soils.

Uses for Washington hawthorn tree: An excellent city tree, it is important to prune away thorny lower branches so they will be out of the way of human contact The tree's thorny nature makes it a good hedge for security purposes. The fruits not only attract birds but are delicious to eat.

Related species of Washington hawthorn tree: There are many other hawthorns of interest with white to pink, single or double flowers and edible, attractive fruit. Crataegus crus-galli Inermis, Thornless Cockspur Hawthorn, is an exceptional species with glossy, spathulate leaves, a wide oval crown, and no spurs. White Flowers are followed by large red fruits.

Scientific name of Washington hawthorn tree: Crataegus Phaenopyrum

Want more information on trees and gardening? Try:

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  • Flowering Trees: Many trees offer seasonal blooms that will delight any visitor to your yard or garden.
  • Types of Trees: Looking for fresh ideas about what to plant? Find out about different species that can turn your yard into a verdant oasis.
  • Gardening: Get great tips about how to keep your garden healthy and thriving.