Crataegus phaenopyrum aka Washington Hawthorn

Crataegus phaenopyrum, or Washington hawthorn, belongs to the rose family. This tree loses its leaves each fall. Its native range spans southeastern Canada and northern and eastern America. It grows in open land, thickets, and woodland edges. Garden trees reach 25–30 feet [7.6–9.1 metres] tall. Their crowns spread 20–30 feet [6.1–9.1 metres] wide. Some accounts give a lower height of 15 feet [4.6 metres]. Low branches form a dense, rounded crown with slender twigs.

The brown stems bear long, sharp thorns that can hurt. Thin gray bark forms narrow scales as the tree ages. Flakes peel away to show orange-red bark beneath. Simple leaves grow in turns along each stem. They have three to five lobes and toothed edges. New leaves have red or purple tones before turning green. Their upper sides become dark and glossy in summer. Fall brings orange, scarlet, red, and sometimes purple leaves.

White flowers form flat-topped corymbs in late spring. Bloom falls mainly in May and June, sometimes starting in April. Each flower has pink anthers, and flowering lasts about ten days. Sources call the scent fragrant, though some find it unpleasant. Midges visit the flowers and help pollinate them. Small, shiny red pomes ripen from September into November. The fruits can stay on bare branches through winter. Birds and small mammals eat them during the colder months.

Full sun gives the best crop of flowers and fruit. Light shade is possible, but it reduces both. The tree prefers moist, fertile soil that drains well. It accepts many soil types, including heavy clay. It also tolerates a range of soil pH levels. Chicago lists it for USDA zones 3–8. Other sources place its cold limit at zone 3 or 4. Growth runs at a medium pace, and pruning is well tolerated. Urban pollution and heat pose few limits to its use.

Plant it as a lawn tree, street tree, or screen. Pruning can shape it into a dense hedge. Its branches shelter nests, while flowers feed pollinators. Some butterflies also use it as a host plant. Deer damage is uncommon, and cedar-apple rust meets good resistance. Fire blight, scab, mildew, leaf spots, and cankers can occur. Borers, caterpillars, lace bugs, leafminers, and scale may attack. People can eat the dry fruit flesh raw or cooked. Sources report no known toxicity and list it as pet-safe. The hard, heavy wood suits tool handles and other small items.