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
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Botanic Name

Crataegus ambigua

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Pronunciation

krah-TEE-gus am-BIG-yoo-uh

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Mature Height

15 to 25 ft.

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Mature Spread

10 to 15 ft.

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Water usage
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.

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Flower Color

white

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Bloom time

late May through early June

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Colorado Native

No

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Natural Habitat

Russia

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Light Requirements

sun

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Cold Hardiness

USDA zones 4-8

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Elevation Limit

hardy to 9,500 ft.

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