Hawthorn trees (genus Crataegus), commonly called hawthorn, quickthorn, thornapple, May-tree, whitethorn, Mayflower or hawberry, is a genus of several hundred species of shrubs and trees in the family Rosaceae, native to temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere in Europe, Asia, North Africa and North America.
The name “hawthorn” was originally applied to the species native to northern Europe, especially the common hawthorn C. monogyna, and the unmodified name is often so used in Britain and Ireland. The name is now also applied to the entire genus and to the related Asian genus Rhaphiolepis.
Ancient Greeks and Romans were aware of the medicinal properties of hawthorn. Dioscorides, a Greek physician in the 1st century AD, mentioned hawthorn in his pharmacopeia De Materia Medica, though it was less about the heart and more for other ailments.
Hawthorn trees are small to medium-sized trees, often characterized by their thorny branches, hence the name. They have lobed or serrated leaves, and in spring, they bloom with clusters of white or sometimes pink flowers, which are followed by red fruits known as “haws.” The haws are berry-like but structurally are pomes, similar to apples. They’re edible, though the taste can vary from sweet to quite tart or mealy, depending on the species.
Generally, hawthorn trees have a slow to moderate growth rate. Under optimal conditions, they might grow about 12 to 24 inches (30 to 61 cm) per year. However, this can vary significantly with species, climate, soil quality, and care. Younger trees might grow faster initially as they establish their root system and reach for light. Once established, the growth rate often slows down.
Hawthorn trees can live for quite a long time. On average, a well-cared-for hawthorn might live between 50 to 150 years. However, there are records of hawthorn trees living even longer under ideal conditions. Some species or cultivars might have different life expectancies. The lifespan can be influenced by environmental stressors like pollution, disease, pests, soil quality, and urban conditions. Trees in less disturbed, rural, or well-maintained environments tend to live longer.
Hawthorns can be susceptible to certain diseases like fire blight, leaf blight, and pests like aphids or caterpillars, which can affect their health and longevity if not managed. Most hawthorn species are hardy in USDA zones 4 through 8, with some species and cultivars being able to handle conditions slightly outside this range.
Factors Influencing Suitability
- Temperature: The primary factor determining which zone a hawthorn can thrive in is the minimum winter temperature. Hawthorns generally need a period of cold to break dormancy properly but can suffer if temperatures drop too low or if there are late freezes after they’ve begun to bud or bloom.
- Moisture: While hawthorns are relatively drought-tolerant once established, zones with adequate rainfall or irrigation are preferable. Excessive moisture, especially in poorly drained soils, can be detrimental.
- Soil: They’re adaptable to various soil types but prefer well-drained soil. Soil pH can range from slightly acidic to slightly alkaline, although they tend to do best in neutral to slightly acidic soils.
- Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade works well for most hawthorns, although full sun is ideal for maximum flowering and fruiting.
Species of Hawthorn Trees (Crataegus)
Crataegus monogyna – Common Hawthorn
- Native Area: Europe, northwestern Africa, and western Asia.
Crataegus laevigata – Midland Hawthorn
- Native Area: Primarily Western and Central Europe.
Crataegus phaenopyrum – Washington Hawthorn
- Native Area: Southeastern United States, from Virginia down to Florida and west to Missouri and Arkansas.
Crataegus crus-galli – Cockspur Hawthorn
- Native Area: Eastern North America, from Quebec to Georgia and as far west as Kansas.
Crataegus mollis – Downy Hawthorn
- Native Area: North America, particularly the central United States, from North Dakota to Texas and eastward.
Crataegus douglasii – Black Hawthorn
- Native Area: Pacific Northwest of North America, from British Columbia through to California and eastward to the Rocky Mountains.
Crataegus pinnatifida – Chinese Hawthorn
- Native Area: East Asia, particularly China, but also found in Korea and parts of Siberia.
Crataegus viridis – Green Hawthorn
- Native Area: Eastern and central United States, from Maryland to Florida and west to Texas and Iowa.
Crataegus azarolus – Azarole Hawthorn
- Native Area: Mediterranean region, including countries like Italy, Spain, and North Africa.
Crataegus cuneata – Japanese Hawthorn
- Native Area: Japan, where it’s used in traditional landscapes and for bonsai.
Crataegus punctata – Dotted Hawthorn
- Native Area: Eastern North America, from Quebec to Georgia.
Crataegus marshallii – Parsley Hawthorn
- Native Area: Southeastern United States, particularly in states like Florida, Georgia, and Alabama.
Crataegus rhipidophylla
- Native Area: Europe, similar regions to C. monogyna, but with some debate over its classification as a separate species or a variant.
Crataegus pedicellata – Scarlet Hawthorn
- Native Area: Northeastern United States.