Hawthorn Tree Care and Growing Tips

How to Grow a Hawthorn Tree in Your Yard

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• Botantical name: Crataegus spp.
• Zones: 3 to 9
• Attracts: Birds, butterflies, and bees
• Light needs: Full sun
• Size: 20 to 45 feet tall
• Grown for: Seasonal interest
• Foliage: Burgundy to orange autumn color
• Popular species: Washington (C. phaenopyrum) thrives in much of the U.S.; Crusader cockspur (C. crus-galli inermis) is thornless; black (C. douglassii) features edible fruits.

All types of hawthorns thrive in full sun and grow 20 to 45 feet tall. When planting a hawthorn tree, it’s best to plant in spring or fall, when there’ll be less environmental stress on the tree. Hawthorns are tolerant of a variety of soils, but they’ll grow best in well-draining soil. Fertilize the tree in fall.

Steve and Dave Maslowski

Hawthorn trees bloom in the springtime. Ensuring your hawthorn tree blooms is usually a matter of keeping the soil moist—watering the tree might be necessary if the tree isn’t getting enough water from natural sources.

In addition, hawthorns are susceptible to some tree diseases, such as fire blight and hawthorn rust. Especially in the case of hawthorn rust, which can’t be reversed after it sets in, it’s a good idea to check if the species you’re considering planting is rust-resistant. Common insect issues include aphids, spider mites and cankerworms.

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Hawthorn Tree Benefits

Bill Leaman

Commonly used as a border plant in backyard landscapes, hawthorn is a wildlife haven that feeds nectar-seeking butterflies in spring and hungry songbirds in autumn. And hawthorns are host plants for larva of many butterflies, including white admiral and gray hairstreak.

Many hawthorn tree varieties have thorns, which are a blessing for nesting or roosting birds seeking shelter from predators. However, humans beware!

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