Hawthorn trees, from the Crataegus genus, are small to medium-sized deciduous trees or shrubs, typically growing 15-40 feet tall across zones 3-9. Native to temperate regions, they’re known for thorny branches, lobed leaves, and a hardy nature, thriving in full sun and a range of soils. Their versatility makes them staples in hedges, woodlands, and gardens.
In spring, hawthorns burst with clusters of white, pink, or red flowers, often fragrant but sometimes malodorous, drawing pollinators like bees. These blooms give way to small, apple-like fruits called haws—red, yellow, or black—ripening in fall and persisting into winter. The fruits vary by species, some edible, others purely for wildlife.
Their foliage shifts with the seasons, turning yellow, orange, or red in fall, while their bark—often scaly or peeling—adds texture year-round. Thorns, ranging from sparse to fierce, deter grazers and enhance their use as natural barriers. Some cultivars minimize thorns for safer landscaping.
Ecologically, hawthorns are powerhouses, supporting birds and mammals with food and shelter, thanks to dense growth and persistent berries. They’re low-maintenance, tolerating drought, pollution, and poor soil, though they’re prone to pests like rust or fire blight in wet climates.
With hundreds of species and hybrids, hawthorns offer diversity—ornamental blooms, edible fruits, or rugged charm. From urban streets to wild edges, their adaptability and multi-season appeal make them a timeless choice for sustainable, wildlife-friendly landscapes.
Hawthorn Trees (genus Crataegus)
Common Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna)
The common hawthorn, often called the maythorn, is a European native widely used in hedgerows. Growing 15-45 feet tall in zones 4-7, it features deeply lobed, dark green leaves that turn yellow in fall, and thorny branches that provide natural fencing. In May, it bursts with creamy-white, five-petaled flowers, followed by small, bright red haws that persist into winter, feeding birds like robins. Adaptable to most soils and full sun, it’s hardy and low-maintenance but can be prone to fire blight in humid climates.
Washington Hawthorn (Crataegus phaenopyrum)
Native to the eastern U.S., the Washington hawthorn thrives in zones 4-8, reaching 25-30 feet tall with a rounded canopy. Its glossy, lobed leaves shift from green to brilliant red-orange in fall, while late spring brings clusters of white, malodorous flowers. The tree’s standout feature is its abundant orange-red berries, lasting through winter for wildlife. With peeling, thorny bark and a tolerance for urban conditions, it’s a popular specimen tree, though it’s susceptible to rust and needs well-drained soil.
English Hawthorn (Crataegus laevigata)
Also known as the Midland hawthorn, this species grows 15-25 feet tall in zones 5-8, sporting shiny, lobed leaves and a dense, thorny structure. Spring delivers masses of white or pink flowers—cultivars like ‘Paul’s Scarlet’ boast vivid red blooms—followed by dark red pomes. Native to Europe, it prefers moist, well-drained soil and full sun, making it ideal for hedges or small gardens. Its fall color is subtle, but its wildlife value and ornamental appeal shine year-round.
Cockspur Hawthorn (Crataegus crus-galli)
The cockspur hawthorn, native to North America, reaches 20-35 feet in zones 3-7, with a broad, spreading crown and fierce thorns up to 3 inches long (thornless varieties like ‘Inermis’ exist). Its dark green, serrated leaves turn orange-red in fall, paired with white flower clusters in late spring. The small, red fruits linger into winter, attracting birds. Drought-tolerant and adaptable to various soils, it’s a rugged choice for hedges or specimen planting, though pests like lace bugs can be an issue.
Black Hawthorn (Crataegus douglasii)
A Pacific Northwest native, black hawthorn grows 10-25 feet tall in zones 4-8, forming a shrubby, thorny thicket. Its fan-shaped, serrated leaves complement white spring flowers, which give way to dark purple-black fruits by fall—less showy than red haws but vital for wildlife. Hardy and adaptable to wet or dry soils, it excels in full sun or partial shade. With modest yellow fall color, it’s perfect for naturalized landscapes or privacy screens.
Chinese Hawthorn (Crataegus pinnatifida)
Cultivated in East Asia for over 2,000 years, this species hits 15-25 feet in zones 6-9, with deeply lobed, glossy leaves on long stalks. Late spring brings white flowers, followed by large, red, apple-like fruits—up to 1 inch wide—rich in vitamin C and used for jams or snacks. Preferring sunny to partly shaded spots with sandy-loam soil, it’s both ornamental and edible. Its moderate thorniness and yellow fall foliage add to its garden appeal.
Downy Hawthorn (Crataegus mollis)
The downy hawthorn, native to central North America, grows 20-40 feet tall in zones 3-6, distinguished by hairy twigs and downy leaf undersides. White flowers bloom in May-June, followed by small, red fruits that drop by late fall. Its silvery, scaly bark and thorny branches pair with yellow autumn leaves for multi-season interest. Thriving in full sun to part shade with dry to moist soils, it’s a sturdy option for large spaces, though it’s vulnerable to leaf spot.
Green Hawthorn (Crataegus viridis)
Known for its smooth, gray bark and fewer thorns, green hawthorn reaches 20-35 feet in zones 4-7, native to the southeastern U.S. Its lobed leaves turn purple or red in fall, while spring features white flower clusters with a faint scent. The bright red haws persist into winter, drawing birds. Tolerant of wet or dry soils and urban stress, cultivars like ‘Winter King’ amplify its fruit display and disease resistance, making it a top pick for street trees or lawns.
Azarole Hawthorn (Crataegus azarolus)
Native to the Mediterranean, the azarole hawthorn grows 15-30 feet tall in zones 5-9, offering a rounded shape with finely serrated, dark green leaves. Late spring brings clusters of white flowers, followed by larger-than-average, yellow to red fruits—up to 1 inch wide—prized for their sweet, apple-like flavor in jams or fresh eating. Thriving in full sun with well-drained soil, its sparse thorns and golden fall foliage make it a standout for edible landscaping.
Mayhaw (Crataegus aestivalis)
The mayhaw, a southeastern U.S. native, reaches 15-30 feet in zones 6-9, often found in swampy areas. Its small, lobed leaves turn yellow in fall, while white or pink flowers bloom in early spring—earlier than most hawthorns. The tart, red fruits, ripening in May, are a regional delicacy for jellies. Preferring moist, acidic soil and full sun, this thorny tree suits wetland gardens or orchards, though it’s less ornamental than others.
Parsley Hawthorn (Crataegus marshallii)
Named for its parsley-like, deeply lobed leaves, this North American species grows 15-25 feet tall in zones 5-9. Delicate white flowers with red anthers appear in spring, followed by small, bright red haws that attract birds. Its peeling, cinnamon-colored bark and vivid red fall foliage add charm. Adaptable to wet or dry soils in full sun to part shade, it’s a graceful choice for small yards, though it’s prone to rust in humid climates.
Oneseed Hawthorn (Crataegus uniflora)
The oneseed hawthorn, a shrubby species from the southern U.S., tops out at 6-20 feet in zones 5-9, with a sprawling, thorny form. Its small, glossy leaves pair with creamy white flowers in spring, yielding tiny, red to yellow fruits with a single seed—hence the name. Hardy in dry, rocky soils and full sun, it’s more wild than ornamental, ideal for naturalized areas or wildlife habitats, with subtle yellow fall color.
Lavalle Hawthorn (Crataegus x lavalleei)
A hybrid of C. crus-galli and C. pubescens, Lavalle hawthorn grows 15-30 feet tall in zones 4-7, boasting a tidy, oval canopy. Its dark green, leathery leaves turn bronze-red in fall, while white spring flowers give way to large, orange-red fruits that linger into winter. With fewer thorns and attractive, peeling bark, it thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, making it a polished option for streets or specimen planting.
Yellow Hawthorn (Crataegus flava)
This rare southeastern U.S. native reaches 15-25 feet in zones 5-8, with small, serrated leaves and a scruffy, thorny habit. Spring brings white flowers, followed by yellowish fruits—unusual for hawthorns—that ripen in summer and drop early. Preferring dry, sandy soils and full sun, its muted yellow fall color suits naturalistic settings over formal gardens, though it’s less common in cultivation.
Kansas Hawthorn (Crataegus coccinioides)
Native to the Midwest, Kansas hawthorn grows 15-25 feet tall in zones 4-7, featuring broad, lobed leaves that turn orange in fall. White flower clusters bloom in late spring, producing dark red, glossy haws that persist for wildlife. Its thorny branches and gray, scaly bark add rugged appeal. Tolerant of clay soils and full sun, it’s a tough, low-care tree for hedges or open spaces, though leaf spot can mar its foliage.
Tejano Hawthorn (Crataegus tracyi)
Found in the southwestern U.S., Tejano hawthorn hits 10-20 feet in zones 6-9, with a compact, thorny frame and small, serrated leaves. White flowers in spring yield bright red fruits that mature by fall, feeding birds and small mammals. Drought-tolerant and suited to rocky, sunny sites, its yellow-orange autumn tones enhance arid landscapes. It’s a resilient pick for xeriscaping or wild gardens.