(Washington Thorn)
SIZE: Small (Height: 15-20'; Spread: 15-20').
GROWTH RATE: Moderate.
FOLIAGE: Dark green, serrated, lobbed leaves, 2-3" long. Fall foliage is yellow to orange to bright scarlet; tree is bare November - February.
FLOWER/FRUIT/BARK: White flowers, 1/2" across, hang in clusters 2-3" long, bloom March - May. Bright red berries form in fall and drop in winter. Rough, brown bark with slender 1-3" long thorns on branches.
MONTHLY WATERING NEEDS: 15-20 gallons per week for the first 2 years; 15-20 gallons twice a month for the 3rd year; as needed after 3 years (varies by soil, sun, and wind conditions).
TREE CARE: Moderate. Requires regular pruning to establish and maintain central leader and to train a good shape, and removal of suckers. Can require pest control. You may wish to cut off thorns from lower branches to prevent injuries.
TOLERANCES: Sandy soils.
SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS: Prefers sun and warmth. Needs good drainage. Does not tolerate strong winds, fog or salt air, but is more tolerant of wind than C. laevigatum, English hawthorn.
NOTABLE TRAITS: Native to southeastern US. Attractive changing display all year long, reflects seasonal changes. Good tree for 2x3' basins, beneath overhead wires. Attracts birds.