Russian Hawthorn
Russian hawthorn is a small, beautiful, drought-tolerant tree with interesting characteristics throughout the year.
In spring, after the small, glossy green leaves emerge, it explodes with numerous clusters of bright white flowers. By August, the flowers mature into vibrant red fruit. As the leaves turn yellow in fall, the fruit ages to a rusty red color.
Its upright branches have a gnarled and irregular branching habit, bearing 1/4 to 1/2 inch long thorns. Russian hawthorn's branching pattern and ridged bark create a pleasing structure in winter.
Russian hawthorn is a fantastic small tree for dry areas. Out of all the hawthorns, it has the brightest, glossiest red fruit.
Russian Hawthorn
Russian hawthorn is a small, beautiful, drought-tolerant tree with interesting characteristics throughout the year.
In spring, after the small, glossy green leaves emerge, it explodes with numerous clusters of bright white flowers. By August, the flowers mature into vibrant red fruit. As the leaves turn yellow in fall, the fruit ages to a rusty red color.
Its upright branches have a gnarled and irregular branching habit, bearing 1/4 to 1/2 inch long thorns. Russian hawthorn's branching pattern and ridged bark create a pleasing structure in winter.
Russian hawthorn is a fantastic small tree for dry areas. Out of all the hawthorns, it has the brightest, glossiest red fruit.
Plant details
Botanic Name
Crataegus ambigua
Pronunciation
krah-TEE-gus am-BIG-yoo-uh
Mature Height
15 to 25 ft.
Mature Spread
10 to 15 ft.
Water usage
One Droplet: Water twice per month or less, once established.
Two Droplets: Water about once per week, once established.
Three Droplets: Water about twice per week, once established.
Flower Color
white
Bloom time
late May through early June
Colorado Native
No
Natural Habitat
Russia
Light Requirements
sun
Cold Hardiness
USDA zones 4-8
Elevation Limit
hardy to 9,500 ft.
Performance
This tree is growing very well in the very low water zone at the Xeriscape Demonstration Garden. It offers ornamental value throughout the growing season.
Maintenance
Prune when young to achieve desired shape when mature.