Washington hawthorn (Crataegus phaenopyrum)

Species info:

Leaves: Small, coarsely toothed, bright green in summer; turn orange to red in fall

Leaflets: N/A (simple leaves)

Leaf Surface: Smooth and glossy green in summer, vibrant orange to red in fall

Bark: Smooth and dark green on young stems; matures to nearly black with a blocky, slightly flaking texture

Flowers: Abundant, creamy white, and showy in spring

Fruit: Berry-like, fleshy, bright orange to red; persistent through winter

Botanical: Crataegus phaenopyrum

Family: Rosaceae

Mature Height: Up to 20 feet

Canopy Spread: Approximately equal to height; rounded crown

Foliage Type: Deciduous

Tree Shape: Rounded; can be single or multi-stemmed

Flowers: Showy, mildly fragrant

Fruit: Edible

Fall Color: Brilliant orange to red

Water Use: Moderate; tolerates hot, dry, and alkaline soils (somewhat xeric)

Hardiness: Zones 4–6

Wildlife Value: Persistent fruit provides food and winter interest; attracts birds

Pests/Pathogens: Occasional aphids; Fireblight

Recommendations for planting: Recommended for the Front Range

Information sources:

• Michael Dirr, Manual of Woody Landscape Plants (University of Georgia, 1990) Michael Kuhns, Trees of Utah and the Intermountain West (Utah State University Press, 1998) Oregon Landscape Plants