Washington Hawthorn: A Blossom Amongst Thorns

 (crataegus phaenopyrum)

If you’re looking to fill in the open spaces in your yard, or just add a bit of color to your landscaping, the Washington hawthorn is a great option. First introduced to Pennsylvania from Washington, the tree earned its name because of its prominent thorns.

Legend has it that Paul Bunyan used the Washington hawthorn’s branches as a back scratcher. Here are a few things to note if you’re considering adding one to your landscape.

Environmental Factors

• Grows 1-2 feet a year reaching 25-30 feet at maturity.
• Versatile tree, growing in a wide variety of hardiness zone (4-8).
• Prefers full sun (6 hours of direct sunlight a day).
• Drought-tolerant, grows in acidic, alkaline, loamy, moist, sandy, well-drained, wet and clay soils.

Physical Attributes

• Blooms white flowers with reddish-purple leaves.
• Produces bright red berries that hang until the winter. It is popular amongst birds.
• Develops thorns on its branches, making it an effective barrier.

Do you have a Washington hawthorn in your yard? Share a picture below!