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Description
Crataegus Phaenopyrum, commonly known as Washington hawthorn, is a deciduous tree that belongs to the Rosaceae family. It is native to the eastern United States and is commonly found in woodlands, pastures, and along streams. The tree can grow up to a height of 30 feet and has a spread of 20 feet. It has a dense, rounded crown and a trunk that is covered in a smooth gray bark. The leaves of the tree are deeply lobed and have a glossy green color. The flowers are white and appear in clusters in late spring, while the fruits are red-orange and have a diameter of about 1/2 inch.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Rosales |
| Family | Rosaceae |
| Genus | Crataegus |
Appearance
The Washington hawthorn tree has a dense, rounded crown and can grow up to a height of 30 feet with a spread of 20 feet. The tree has a smooth gray bark that becomes ridged and furrowed with age. The leaves are deeply lobed and have a glossy green color. In the fall, the leaves turn reddish-purple. The flowers are white, fragrant, and appear in clusters in late spring. The fruits are red-orange and have a diameter of about 1/2 inch. The fruits persist on the tree into winter and are a food source for birds.
Care Guide
The Washington hawthorn tree is a hardy tree that is easy to care for. It is tolerant of a wide range of soil types and pH levels, but prefers well-drained soil. The tree requires regular watering, especially during drought periods. Fertilization is not necessary, but a slow-release fertilizer can be applied in early spring. The tree prefers full sun but can tolerate some shade. It is hardy in USDA hardiness zones 4-8.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Washington hawthorn tree is relatively resistant to pests and diseases. However, it can be susceptible to fire blight, leaf spot, and hawthorn rust. Fire blight is a bacterial disease that causes branches to wilt and turn black. Leaf spot is a fungal disease that causes black spots on the leaves. Hawthorn rust is a fungal disease that causes orange spots on the leaves. To prevent these diseases, avoid wetting the foliage when watering and prune out infected branches.
Habitat
The Washington hawthorn tree is native to the eastern United States and is commonly found in woodlands, pastures, and along streams. It can grow in a wide range of soil types and pH levels and is tolerant of drought and pollution. The tree provides food and shelter for birds and other wildlife.
Question and Answer
Q: What is the scientific name of the Washington hawthorn tree?
A: The scientific name of the Washington hawthorn tree is Crataegus Phaenopyrum.
Q: What is the height and spread of the Washington hawthorn tree?
A: The Washington hawthorn tree can grow up to a height of 30 feet and has a spread of 20 feet.
Q: What are the common pests and diseases of the Washington hawthorn tree?
A: The common pests and diseases of the Washington hawthorn tree are fire blight, leaf spot, and hawthorn rust.
Q: What is the hardiness zone for the Washington hawthorn tree?
A: The Washington hawthorn tree is hardy in USDA hardiness zones 4-8.
Related Plants
- Crataegus laevigata
- Crataegus monogyna
- Crataegus crus-galli
- Crataegus prunifolia
References
- Dirr, M. A., & Warren, J. S. (2019). Dirr’s Encyclopedia of Trees and Shrubs. Timber Press.
- Missouri Botanical Garden. (n.d.). Crataegus Phaenopyrum. Retrieved from http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=a313
- USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service. (n.d.). Plant Guide: Washington Hawthorn. Retrieved from https://plants.usda.gov/plantguide/pdf/pg_crph3.pdf
