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Description
Crataegus Coccinea, commonly known as Scarlet Hawthorn or Red Hawthorn, is a deciduous shrub or small tree that belongs to the rose family (Rosaceae). It is native to eastern North America, from Ontario to Alabama, and can grow up to 20 feet tall. The leaves of Scarlet Hawthorn are lobed and serrated, and they turn red, orange, or yellow in the fall. The flowers are white or pink and bloom in the spring, while the fruit is a small red or orange pome that ripens in the fall.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Rosales |
| Family | Rosaceae |
| Genus | Crataegus |
Appearance
Scarlet Hawthorn has a dense, rounded crown and a single, straight trunk. Its bark is gray and smooth when young, but it becomes rough and scaly with age. The branches are often thorny, and the leaves are alternate, 1-3 inches long, and deeply lobed with toothed edges. The flowers are small and white or pink, with five petals and numerous stamens, and they are arranged in clusters or corymbs. The fruit is a small, round or oval pome, about 1/2 inch in diameter, and it is red or orange when ripe. Scarlet Hawthorn is an attractive plant that adds ornamental value to gardens and landscapes.
Care Guide
Scarlet Hawthorn is relatively easy to grow and care for. Here are some tips to help you keep your plant healthy:- Water: Scarlet Hawthorn requires regular watering, especially during the first two years after planting. Water deeply and thoroughly, but do not allow the soil to become waterlogged.- Fertilization: Scarlet Hawthorn benefits from a balanced fertilizer in early spring, before new growth appears. Use a slow-release fertilizer, and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.- Soil: Scarlet Hawthorn prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. It can tolerate a range of soil types, but it does not like heavy clay or wet soil.- Sunlight: Scarlet Hawthorn grows best in full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate some shade, but it will not flower as well.- Hardiness Zones: Scarlet Hawthorn is hardy in USDA zones 4-8.
Common Pests & Diseases
Scarlet Hawthorn is relatively resistant to pests and diseases, but it can still be affected by some common problems. Here are some of them:- Cedar-Apple Rust: This fungal disease can cause yellow spots on the leaves and fruit, as well as small, orange bumps on the undersides of the leaves.- Hawthorn Leaf Blight: This fungal disease can cause brown spots on the leaves and defoliation.- Aphids: These tiny insects can suck the sap from the leaves and cause them to curl and distort.- Scale Insects: These pests can cause yellowing and wilting of the leaves, as well as the production of sooty mold.To prevent these problems, keep your plant healthy by providing adequate water, fertilizer, and sunlight. Prune and remove any infected or damaged branches, and use insecticides or fungicides if necessary.
Habitat
Scarlet Hawthorn is native to eastern North America, where it grows in a variety of habitats, including woodlands, savannas, and fields. It prefers well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade. Scarlet Hawthorn is an important food source for many wildlife species, including birds, mammals, and insects.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Scarlet Hawthorn edible?
A: Yes, the fruit of Scarlet Hawthorn is edible and can be used to make jams, jellies, and sauces.
Q: Can Scarlet Hawthorn be grown in containers?
A: Yes, Scarlet Hawthorn can be grown in containers, but it may not reach its full size or produce as much fruit as a plant grown in the ground.
Q: Does Scarlet Hawthorn attract pollinators?
A: Yes, Scarlet Hawthorn is a good attractor of bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.
Q: How often should Scarlet Hawthorn be pruned?
A: Scarlet Hawthorn should be pruned in late winter or early spring, before new growth appears. Remove any dead, diseased, or damaged branches, as well as any suckers or water sprouts.
Related Plants
– Crataegus laevigata (English Hawthorn)- Crataegus monogyna (Single-seeded Hawthorn)- Crataegus phaenopyrum (Washington Hawthorn)- Crataegus prunifolia (Plum-leaved Hawthorn)
References
– “Crataegus coccinea.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=c860.- “Scarlet Hawthorn.” The Morton Arboretum, www.mortonarb.org/trees-plants/tree-plant-descriptions/scarlet-hawthorn.
