Russian hawthorn (Crataegus ambigua)

Genus: Crataegus (hawthorn)
Written By Colorado Tree Coalition

Species info:

Leaves: 5-7 deep lobes, triangular overall shape, on long petioles

Leaflets: N/A (simple leaves)

Leaf Surface: Glossy medium green to yellow, bronze and purplish in fall

Twig: sparsely thorned, shorter (3/8”)

Bark: Ridge bark

Flowers: Blooms in late May-June, white, showy, fragrant

Fruit: Small, reddish-purple 1/2” pomes

Botanical: Crataegus ambigua

Family: Rosaceae

Mature Height: 15 to 25 ft

Canopy Spread: 10 to 15 ft

Foliage Type: Deciduous

Tree Shape: Upright, with gnarled irregular branching

Flowers: Showy, fragrant

Fruit: Ornamental, red pomes that persist and turn rust colored in winter

Fall Color: Yellow, not notable

Water Use: Low

Hardiness: Zones 4–8

Soil Preference: Adaptable, prefers alkaline soils.

Wildlife Value: Attracts pollinators in spring; fruit is eaten by birds and mammals.

Pests/Pathogens: Fairly disease resistant, demonstrates resistance to cedar-apple rust and fireblight.

Planting recommendation: Recommended for most sites, suitable for high elevations.

Information Sources:

Colorado Tree Coalition
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