Hawthorn
Crataegus monogyna
A deciduous shrub or small tree featuring dense, thorny branches, lobed or serrated dark green leaves, and a spreading canopy.
- Light
- Full sun to partial shade, requiring at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily
- Water
- Moderate watering when young; highly drought-tolerant once established. Water deeply when the top few inches of soil feel dry.
- Growth
- Perennial woody shrub or small tree growing to a mature height of 15 to 30 feet with a dense, rounded, and often thorny branching structure
Care instructions
Provide full sun to partial shade, well-draining soil, and consistent moisture during the establishment period. Apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring.
Growing details
Sunlight
Full sun to partial shade, requiring at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily
Watering
Moderate watering when young; highly drought-tolerant once established. Water deeply when the top few inches of soil feel dry.
Soil
Adaptable to a wide range of soil types including clay, loam, and sand, provided they are well-draining, with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH
Hardiness zone
USDA zones 4 through 8
Growth habit
Perennial woody shrub or small tree growing to a mature height of 15 to 30 feet with a dense, rounded, and often thorny branching structure
Bloom season
Spring, producing clusters of small, fragrant white flowers
Propagation
Propagated via seed requiring stratification, or through hardwood and softwood cuttings taken during the growing season
Common pests & issues
Susceptible to rust fungi, fire blight, powdery mildew, aphids, and scale insects, which can be managed with proper pruning and air circulation
Similar species
Blackthorn (Prunus spinosa), which features darker bark and flowers before leaves appear, whereas hawthorn leaves are typically present during flowering