Washington hawthorn
Crataegus phaenopyrum

Family: Rosaceae

What it is like

A deciduous tree. It grows 6-12 m tall. It is very thorny. The thorns are long and sharp. The crown is round and it is densely branched. The bark is red-brown to grey-brown and thin and scaly. The leaves are broadly oval and 3-8 cm long and have 3-5 sharply toothed lobes. They are glossy green. The flowers are white. They have a scent. They occur in clusters. The fruit are small and shiny. They are orange-red berries. They are 4-6 mm across.

There are 200 or more Crataegus species.

Where it is found

It is native to S.E. United States. Temperate. It will grow in most soils. It needs an open sunny position. It is resistant to frost and drought. It suits hardiness zones 5-10. Arboretum Tasmania.

Countries/locations it is found in

Australia, Canada, North America, Tasmania, USA

How it is used for food

The fruit can be eaten fresh. Some fruit are bitter and some are sweet. The fruit can be dried and stored. The fruit can be used for jams and jellies. The fruit can be crushed and used for tea.

Edible parts

Fruit

How it is grown

Plants can be grown from seed. The seed need cold treatment. Plants can also be grafted.

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Crataegus cordata Aiton; Crataegus acerifolia;