Hawthorn Tree

Botanical name: Crataegus
Family: Rosaceae (rose)Hawthorn Crataegus Identification Leaf Fruit Thorns

  • Deciduous
  • Reaching a height between 20′-35′
  • 20′-25′ wide
  • often appears to be a shrub with a dense crown
  • Leaves are simple, frequently lobed with serrated leaf margins
  • Fragrant flowers grow in clusters and range from pink to white
  • Fruit is an edible, small berry-like pome
  • very adaptable to soil pH and soils conditions
  • sharp, straight, thorns 1.5″-5.5″ in length on branches (some species of hawthorn are thornless)
  • Dense thorny habitat makes this tree a favorite for birds and small animals
  • Prefers full sun
  • Plant hardiness zones 4-8