Washington Hawthorn (Crataegus phaenopyrum)
A medium-sized, thorny deciduous tree that grows 20-30 feet tall and wide, with an oval to rounded habit. It often has a low-branching, multitrunked structure. White flowers bloom in early summer.
Young foliage emerges reddish-purple and matures to a lustrous, dark, glossy green. The fall color is orange to scarlet to purple. Washington Hawthorn has bright red ¼ inch fruit that persists into winter. It provides nesting sites for birds and food sources (berries) for various wildlife. The strong root system can help with soil stabilization.
It tolerates a wide range of soils and is adaptable to urban conditions, making it suitable for use as a specimen tree, in hedges, or as a street tree. Has sharp, spiny thorns that can be 1 to 3 inches long, which may be a consideration for areas with heavy pedestrian traffic. Plant it in full sun to partial shade in moist, well-drained soil. Very adaptable, tolerating acidic, alkaline, dry, or moist conditions. It is tolerant of poor, compacted soils and urban pollution.
Water regularly until the tree is established. It is reasonably drought-tolerant once mature. Hardy in USDA zones 4-8.
Excellent as a specimen tree, street tree or in mass plantings due to its attractive flowers and persistent fruit. Can be pruned into a dense hedge, planted under power lines or used as a screen.
Washington Hawthorn berries have many traditional and modern medicinal uses.
Available as Bare Root trees - Shipping after February 2026
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