Quick Green Hawthorn Facts:

• Botanical name: Crataegus viridis
• Height: 20-30 feet (6-9 m)
• Spread: 20-30 feet (6-9 m)
• Sun exposure: Shady location for native specimen tree, full sun site for cultivar 'Winter King' 
• Soil requirements: Dry to medium, well-drained soils
• Hardiness zones: USDA 4-8 
• When to plant: Spring 

Green hawthorn (or Crataegus viridis as it is also known) is a slow-growing native tree, dense with dark-green leaves and small thorns. It is a popular choice if you are interested in defensive shrubs for landscaping and its growth habit makes it perfect for hedges and screens.

These trees are considered ornamental because of the bronze and fall colors of the leaves. The bark is silver-gray and peels back to reveal orange bark inside. The tree produces showy, fragrant white blooms. The flowers evolve into large, bright red fruit (known as haws) that nestle on the bare branches all winter.

Best Care for Green Hawthorn

Light Conditions

The specimen plant that is native to North America prefers shade and grows best in partial shade to full shade. However, the popular 'Winter King' hawthorn tree cultivar needs more sun and grows best in direct sunlight. If you grow in full sun, you also minimize the possibility of disease.

Water & Fertilizer

Green hawthorns are extremely drought-resistant flowering trees, but they prefer regular irrigation. Generally, you shouldn't need to add fertilizer to maintain this native tree.

Temperature & Humidity

These trees are winter hardy in USDA hardiness zones 4 through 8. High humidity should be avoided, as it can cause disease.

Soil & Compost

Green hawthorns prefer well-draining soil that is moderately moist. So making sure soil drains well is essential before planting. That said, cultivar 'Winter King' adapts to a variety of soil conditions, including compacted and dry soil. 

How to Plant a Green Hawthorn

Green hawthorn is not a difficult tree to grow. If possible, plant it in dry to medium, well-drained soils in full sunshine. Dig out a hole at least twice as wide as the root ball if you are growing it as a container plant. Remember to water well after planting. If you need to transplant a hawthorn hedge then do so before the growing season, preferably in early spring.

Green Hawthorn Pruning

The native tree grows with multiple trunks and its naturally rounded shape is attractive. However, the branches droop as they develop, so prune hawthorn trees in high-traffic areas. Doing this allows you to maintain a vase shape, or to allow vehicles or pedestrians to pass. Since the tree has long, sharp thorns, it's best to prune lower branches in certain areas. 'Winter King' has smaller thorns, so pruning for this reason is less necessary. 

Problems, Pests & Diseases

Green hawthorns don’t do well with salty air. As with other types of hawthorn, these trees are vulnerable to a number of pests. These include aphids, tree borer insects, caterpillars, and leaf miners. They are also vulnerable to cedar-hawthorn rust, but less so than other hawthorn species. Fungal leaf spot, powdery mildew, canker and apple scab are occasional problems. Try to cut back affected areas and maintain good air flow to minimize issues.

Best Green Hawthorn Varieties

Crataegus viridis 'Winter King' is the most common variety of green hawthorn on the market. This excellent ornamental specimen grows many spring flowers which are larger and showier than the species plant. Plus, its thorns are smaller, and it develops relatively large fruits. 'Winter King' is also disease resistant.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Color Is 'Winter King' Hawthorn in the Fall?

'Winter King' green hawthorn has dark green leaves in summer. This foliage transforms into a blaze of bronze, gold and red tones in the fall. 

Are 'Winter King' Hawthorn Berries Edible?

You can eat 'Winter King' hawthorn berries, since they are not toxic. Some people do make jellies from the haws. However, most experts recommend that they are probably better left to wildlife to consume.

Can I Propagate Green Hawthorn?

It is possible to grow green hawthorn trees by planting fruit seeds – but it takes time! Usually, the tree is purchased as a young plant from a garden center or specialist retailer.

Mayhaws (Crataegus spp.) are delightfully ornamental fruit trees native to the American South. In addition to the indigenous mayhaw strains, cultivars have been developed that yield larger fruit and more generous harvests. Can you graft mayhaws? Yes, you can, and many of the mayhaw cultivars are grafted onto other mayhaw rootstocks. For more information about mayhaw grafting, including tips on how to graft a mayhaw, read on.

About Mayhaw Grafting

With a rounded canopy, attractive leaves and showy white flowers, the mayhaw is a beautiful addition to any garden. Mayhaws are in the same genus as hawthorns, and they produce small fruit resembling crabapples. The fruit is not very tasty right off the tree. However, it is used to make delicious jellies and can be used in other culinary projects. In modern times, mayhaws are increasingly cultivated for their fruit. Often, growers wishing to cultivate mayhaws commercially will graft mayhaw trees onto hardy rootstocks. Grafting a mayhaw, or any tree, involves botanically joining the canopy of one type of tree to the roots of another. The species providing the roots of a grafted tree is called the rootstock. The cultivar is used as the canopy to enhance fruit production. The parts of the cultivar branch to be attached by grafting are stripped of bark. They are tied to a stripped section of the rootstock until the two trees actually grow into each other.

How to Graft a Mayhaw Tree

How can you graft mayhaws? Grafting a mayhaw is best accomplished in late winter, around mid-February. If you are interested in mayhaw grafting, you’ll be happy to learn that the tree grafts easily. In fact, mayhaws will graft with almost any species of hawthorn. However, using a rootstock of mayhaw is the best bet. There are various ways to cut the pieces of cultivar to be grafted onto a rootstock. The types of connections that work best for mayhaw grafting are whip and tongue graft and simple whip graft. A connection called a cleft graft is used for larger trees. The trees used for rootstocks must be compatible with the local climate and soil. Top mayhaw rootstock choices may vary among states and even regions. In Mississippi, for instance, a preferred rootstock is the parsley haw. However, in most states, the top selection for a rootstock is usually a mayhaw seedling.

Mayhaws are old-fashioned, backyard fruit trees. They are not commercially grown in numbers sufficient enough to warrant much study on the diseases of these trees and their cures, however. Mayhaw cedar quince rust is a common problem on these plants. It affects fruits, stems and leaves and is considered extremely destructive. A few management strategies can help reduce the incidence of rust on mayhaw.

Symptoms of Rust on Mayhaw

Quince rust, or cedar quince rust, is a serious disease of pome fruits, one of which is the mayhaw. The disease is a fungal issue that appears in spring. Cedar quince rust of mayhaw actually comes from cankers on cedar trees. These cankers bloom and the spores travel to pome fruit trees. The fungus also infects quince plants. Controlling mayhaw cedar rust in members of the rose family requires early pre-bloom fungicide application. Apples, quince, pears, and mayhaw are prey to this disease. The twigs, fruit, thorns, petioles, and stems are most commonly affected in mayhaw, with symptoms rare on leaves. After the tree is infected, signs show up in 7 to 10 days. The disease causes plant cells to swell, giving tissue a swollen appearance. Twigs develop spindle-shaped protrusions. When leaves are infected, it is the veins that are most evident, with swelling that eventually contributes to the leaf curling and dying. The fruit fails to mature and ripen when infected with mayhaw cedar rust. It will become covered in white, tubular projections which split in time and show orange spore formations.

Treating Mayhaw Quince Rust

The fungus Gymnosporangium is responsible for mayhaw cedar quince rust. This fungus must spend part of its life cycle on a cedar or juniper plant. The next step of the cycle is to jump to a plant in the Rosaceae family, such as mayhaw. In spring, cedars and junipers with the infection form spindle shaped galls. These galls have evident orange spores and are perennial, meaning their infection potential returns each year. Wet and humid weather promotes the formation of the spores, which are then transported to pome plants by wind. Mayhaws are most susceptible to infection as blossoms open up until petal drop. There are no mayhaw varieties with resistance to this type of rust disease. If at all possible, remove any juniper and red cedar plants within the vicinity of the tree. This may not always be practical, as the spores can travel several miles. The fungicide, myclobutanil, is the only treatment available to home gardeners. It must be applied as soon as flower buds appear and again prior to petal drop. Follow all manufacture instructions and precautions. Alternatively, use the fungicide on infected cedars and juniper early in the season and several times until dormancy in winter.

Mayhaw trees grow wild in the swampy, lowland areas of the southern United States, as far west as Texas. Related to apple and pear, mayhaw trees are attractive, midsize specimens with spectacular springtime blooms. Small, round mayhaw fruits, which looks similar to small crabapples, are prized for making delicious jams, jellies, syrup and wine. If you’re wondering how to propagate a mayhaw, search no further!

Mayhaw Propagation

Growing new mayhaws can be achieved by seed or cuttings.

•Growing New Mayhaws by Seed

Some people have good luck planting mayhaw seeds directly outdoors, but experts provide the following information: Gather mayhaw fruit in fall, when they’re mature but not fully ripe. Soak the mayhaws in warm water for a few days to loosen the pulp, then place the clean seeds in a container filled with damp sand. Store the seeds in the refrigerator for at least 12 weeks, and then plant them outdoors in late winter.

•Mayhaw Reproduction with Softwood Cuttings

Cut a few healthy mayhaw stems when the growth is firm enough to snap when bent. Stems should be 4 to 6 inches long (10-15 cm.). Remove all but the top two leaves. Cut the two remaining leaves in half horizontally. Dip the tips of the stems in rooting hormone, either powder, gel or liquid. Plant the stems in small pots filled with well-drained potting mix or a mixture of half peat and half fine bark. The potting mix should be moistened ahead of time but shouldn’t be dripping wet. Cover the pots with plastic to create a greenhouse-like atmosphere. Place the pots in indirect light. Avoid direct sunlight, which may scorch the cuttings. Place the pots on a heat mat. Check the cuttings regularly. Water lightly if the potting mix feels dry. Remove the plastic when the cuttings have rooted and are showing new growth. Transplant the cuttings into larger pots in spring. Allow the small mayhaw trees to mature to a healthy size before planting them outdoors.

The mayhaw is a little known and little grown fruiting tree native to the southern United States. A variety of hawthorn, this tree produces large, tasty fruits that are harvested to make jellies, pies, and syrups that are a delicious and well-kept secret of the South. If you want mayhaw fruits, it’s important to have a healthy mayhaw tree. Keep reading to learn more about common problems with mayhaw trees and how to troubleshoot mayhaw issues.

What’s Wrong with My Mayhaw?

Since they are not often grown commercially, there’s a lot that’s still unstudied about mayhaw problems and how to fix them. We do, however, know a decent amount about issues gardeners encounter and how they deal with them. For example, there are a few diseases that frequently strike mayhaw trees, such as fire blight, brown Monilinia rot, and cedar-quince rust. Fungicides have been found to be effective against rust and Monilinia. Little is known about how to combat fire blight on mayhaws. While there isn’t much information on serious pest problems with mayhaw trees, there are several pests that have been documented on them. These include:

• Scale
• White-fringed beetle
• Leaf miner
• Thrips
• Hawthorn lace bug
• Round-headed apple tree borer
• Mealybugs
• Plum curculio

All of these pests have been known to damage the trees by feeding on them, with plum curculios doing the most extensive damage.

Other Mayhaw Tree Complications

Mayhaw issues have also been known to come from larger animals, such as deer and birds. These animals will break off or peck into young new stems, seriously stunting growth. These animals are also sometimes known to eat or damage ripe fruits. Mayhaw trees prefer moist, slightly acidic soil. You may notice your tree languishing during periods of drought, or if its soil is too alkaline. Since little scientific research has been performed regarding mayhaw problems, keep in mind that this may not be an exhaustive list.

Mayhaw is a small tree native to the southern United States that produces a small fruit. Traditionally, the fruit is used to make jelly or wine. It also makes a great flowering ornamental. Unlike many other fruit trees, growing mayhaw from seed is a simple way to propagate this tree.

About Mayhaw Trees

Mayhaw is a common native tree in the South and a relative of the hawthorn. They grow abundantly in southern states in wet areas, in floodplains and along rivers and creeks. They are often found under taller hardwood trees. These trees flower early, from February through March. The small fruit is a little bit like a crabapple, and it generally ripens in May, hence the name mayhaw. In addition to using the fruits to make jams, jellies, and desserts or wine, mayhaw can be grown to attract wildlife and as an ornamental for the early spring blooms.

How to Grow Mayhaw from Seeds

Mayhaw seed propagation is a reliable way to grow new trees, as they almost always grow true to type. It’s easy to propagate mayhaw by seed, but it can take a long time. Germination may take as long as 18 months, so be prepared to be patient. The seeds need about 12 weeks of cold stratification in order to germinate, which mimics that natural overwintering of seeds. Store the seeds in moist paper towel in a sealed bag in the refrigerator to cold stratify. You can then let them germinate in warmer conditions, which may take several more months.

When to Plant Mayhaw Seeds

Mayhaw seeds sowing can be done in early spring, after any danger of frost, once you have little seedlings. As an alternative to stratifying and germinating the seeds indoors, you can try sowing the seeds directly from ripe fruit. This can be hit or miss, but it should only be attempted in fall when the seeds will then be able to go through the natural stratification process. Growing mayhaw from seeds is easy but lengthy. If you don’t want to wait that long to get a tree, you can also use cuttings to propagate—use a root promoting hormone. You can look for transplants at a nursery too, which are typically grafted to hawthorn rootstock.

Mayhaw fruit trees, related to apple and pear, are attractive, midsize trees with spectacular springtime blooms. Mayhaw trees are native to the swampy, lowland areas of the southern United States, growing wild as far west as Texas. Small, round mayhaw fruits, which look similar to small crabapples, are prized for making delicious jams, jellies, syrup and wine, but tends to be a bit too tart for eating raw. Read on to learn about some of the most popular types of mayhaw fruit trees.

Choosing Mayhaw Trees

Generally, mayhaw trees grow in USDA plant hardiness zones 8 through 10. If you live in a warm climate, consider varieties of mayhaw with low winter chilling requirements. If you’re in a more northerly area, look for hardy types of mayhaw that can tolerate cooler temperatures.

Mayhaw Tree Varieties

There are two main types of mayhaw, both of which are species of hawthorn – eastern mayhaw (Crataegus aestivalis) and western mayhaw (C. opaca). Of these varieties include a number of cultivars. Here are some of the more popular ones: T.O Superberry: Blooms in late winter, fruit ripens in April. Large, dark red fruit with pinkish flesh. Texas Superberry (also known as Mason’s Superberry): Popular mayhaw fruit trees with large, deep red fruit and pink flesh and is one of the earliest flowering mayhaw tree varieties. Superspur: Blooms late winter or early spring with fruit ready to harvest by late April or early May. Large fruit has reddish-yellow skin and yellow flesh. Saline: Blooms in late winter or early spring, mayhaw fruit ripens in late April or early May. Fruit is large and firm with reddish skin and pinkish-orange flesh. Big Red: This heavy producer blooms later than most and may not be ready to harvest until early June, having large red fruit with pink flesh. Crimson: Blooms in mid-March, ripens in late April or early May. Large, bright red mayhaw fruit has pinkish flesh. Turnage 57: Blooms in March and ripens in early to mid-May. Fruit is medium sized with pale red skin and yellow flesh.

If you are from or have family that hails from the Southern United States, it’s very likely you are familiar with cooking with mayhaw from mayhaw recipes that have been handed down for generations. Aside from the tree’s attractiveness to wildlife, mayhaw uses are primarily culinary, although the tree is quite ornamental when in bloom. If you can get your hands on some of this native fruit, read on to find out what to do with mayhaws.

How to Use Mayhaw Fruit

The mayhaw is a type of hawthorn that blossoms with clusters of showy white blooms in the spring on the upright 25- to 30-foot (8-9 m.) high tree. The blossoms yield fruit in May, hence the name. Mayhaws are small, round fruit that, depending upon the variety, may be red, yellow or orange in color. The shiny skin surrounds a white pulp that contains a few tiny seeds. The tree is a member of the family Roasaceae and is indigenous to low, wet areas from North Carolina to Florida and west to Arkansas and into Texas. During Antebellum times (1600-1775), mayhaws were a popular foraging fruit despite their less than hospitable locations in swamps and other boggy areas. Since then, the fruit has waned in popularity in part due to the location of trees and land clearing for timber or agriculture. Some effort has been made to cultivate the trees and U-pick farms are reaping the benefits of the fruits resurging popularity.

What to Do with Mayhaws

Mayhaw fruit is extremely acidic, almost bitter in taste, and, as such, mayhaw uses are primarily for cooked products, not raw. The sourest part of the fruit is the skin so, when cooking with mayhaw, the berries are often juiced with the skin discarded and then used to make jellies, jams, syrups or just mayhaw juice. Traditionally, mayhaw jelly was used as a condiment for game meats, but it can also be used in fruit pies and pastries. Mayhaw syrup is delicious over pancakes, of course, but it also lends itself well over biscuits, muffins, and porridge. Among many old Southern family mayhaw recipes, may even be one for mayhaw wine! Mayhaw fruit can be stored in the refrigerator and used within a week of its harvest.

Mayhaws are trees in the hawthorn family. They produce small round fruit that look like miniature crabapples. Those harvesting mayhaw fruit don’t chow them down raw but cook them into jams or desserts. If you have mayhaws in your backyard, you might want to get ready for mayhow picking time. Read on for tips on when and how to harvest mayhaw.

Mayhaw Harvest Time

Mayhaws are small trees with rounded canopies that grow wild in the East and Southeast parts of the United States. The mayhaw fruit typically appears on the trees in May. Fruits are the size of cherries and the shape of crabapples, usually colored pink or red. The fruit is edible but not very good eaten right from the tree. However, it makes delicious jellies, jams, desserts and even wine. These days the trees are being cultivated for the mayhaw harvest. Each tree yields a different amount of fruit, but some produce as much as 100 gallons (378 L.) in a single year. If you have mayhaws and want to start harvesting mayhaw fruit, you’ll have many options of how to proceed.

When to Pick Mayhaws

The mayhaw harvest doesn’t begin until the fruit is ripe, and this depends on when the tree flowers. You can begin your mayhaw harvest about 12 weeks after the first blossoms appear. But over 100 cultivars of mayhaw trees have been developed, and each cultivar blossoms at a different time – as early as January and as late as May. That makes it impossible to give a general rule about when to pick mayhaws. Some mayhaws are ready for mayhaw picking in March, others as late as July. Growers often hope for late flowering to avoid the damage frosts do to crops when flowering trees face below-zero temperatures.

How to Harvest Mayhaws

Once it’s time for the mayhaw harvest, you’ll have to decide what system of mayhaw picking you are going to use. Harvesting mayhaw fruit can be time-consuming since many cultivars have fruit that ripen over a week or more. Perhaps the most common way to go about mayhaw picking is to simply let the fruit fall to the ground as it ripens. This mayhaw harvest method works efficiently if you clear and clean the areas under the tree, making pick-up easier. Another way to go about mayhaw picking is called shake-and-catch. Growers lay blankets or tarps under the tree, then shake the trunk until fruits fall. This mimics the way that walnuts are harvested and can be the most efficient way to get fruit off the tree fast.

You may never have heard of a mayhaw, let alone considered growing mayhaws in your backyard. But this native tree is a species of hawthorn with edible fruit. If the idea of planting mayhaw fruit trees interests you, read on to learn more.

Crataegus Tree Information

What is a mayhaw? The scientific name for mayhaw fruit trees is Crataegus aestivalis, the same genus as the other some 800 species of hawthorn tree. The features that make the mayhaw special among hawthorns are the edible fruit they produce and their outstanding ornamental qualities. These are the primary reasons people start growing mayhaws. Mayhaw fruit trees can present as shrubs or round-topped small trees no taller than 30 feet (10 m.). They have attractive green foliage, wildly showy blossoms in early spring and clusters of brilliantly colored fruits in late spring or early summer. Before you start growing mayhaws, you need to know something about the fruit they produce. They are small pomes the size of cranberries. The pomes are very attractive, yellow to bright red and growing in heavy clusters. However, the fruits taste like crabapples and only wildlife appreciates mayhaws raw. Most gardeners only use the mayhaw fruits in cooked forms, like in marmalades, jams, jellies and syrups.

How to Grow a Mayhaw

According to Crataegus tree information, the mayhaw grows in the wild in the lower southern states. The trees grow in marshy areas and swamps, but also thrive in moist, well-draining soil. Plant this tree on well-drained soil that is slightly acidic. Allow plenty of room around the planting site when you are growing mayhaws. The trees live for a long time and can grow a very wide canopy. Your tree will probably be easier to handle if you prune it out to one trunk when it is young. Trim the branches occasionally to keep the center open to sunlight. Remember that this is a native tree and won’t require much other maintenance.

Mayhaws, a member of the rose family, are a type of hawthorn tree that produces small, apple-like fruits that make delicious jams, jellies, and syrup. This native tree is especially popular in the American Deep South and is the state tree of Louisiana. Mayhaw trees, like other hawthorns, are susceptible to a bacterial disease known as fire blight. The disease can be deadly in some situations, sometimes killing a tree in a single season. Fortunately, fire blight on mayhaw can be controlled. Read on to learn about mayhaw fire blight control and prevention.

Symptoms of Mayhaw with Fire Blight

What causes mayhaw fire blight? The bacterium that causes fire blight enters through blossoms, then travels from the flower down the branch. The blossoms may turn black and die, and the tips of branches often bend, displaying dead leaves and a black, scorched appearance. Cankers that look like rough or cracked bark may appear. Fire blight overwinters in the cankers, then splashes onto blossoms during rainy weather in spring. Fire blight on mayhaw is also spread by wind and insects. The disease may not affect the tree every year, but tends to show up during damp weather, becoming inactive when the weather turns hot and drier in summer.

Mayhaw Fire Blight Control

Plant only disease-resistant cultivars. The disease may still show up but tends to be easier to control. Prune damaged branches when the tree is dormant during the winter. Prune only when the weather is dry. Make cuts at least 4 inches (10 cm.) below cankers and dead bark. To prevent spread, sanitize pruners with a mixture of four parts water to one part bleach. Avoid overuse of nitrogen fertilizers, which increases the risk of fire blight on mayhaw. Chemical controls may be useful. Use only products labeled specifically for fire blight on mayhaw. Your local cooperative extensive office can recommend the best products for your area and growing conditions.

Many gardeners enjoy growing unique native fruits as a means to enhance their gardens and build natural habitat for wildlife. However, there are many common diseases which these fruit trees may develop. Native fruit trees, such as the mayhaw, are susceptible to various fungi and forms of blight that can impact overall plant health, as well as crop production. So, if you’re asking, “why is my mayhaw tree sick,” this article should help.

Diseases of Mayhaw

Diseases of mayhaw trees are most commonly caused by bacteria and/or the spread of fungal spores. While some diseases only cause minimal damage, others may cause complete loss of crops. Knowing and recognizing the signs early will prevent further spread of disease among your trees in future growing seasons. Rust – Mayhaw trees may be infected by various types of rust, in particular, cedar hawthorn rust. Rust is caused by fungal spores transmitted by the wind. These spores occur most often on stems and branches and have an orange appearance. Since areas infected with rust are likely to die back after the growing season, be sure to remove debris from the garden to prevent issues next season. Fire Blight – Fire blight most often occurs in early spring, before weather has warmed. The most common sign of fire blight are flower blossoms which die prematurely. After infecting the bloom, the infection progresses throughout the branch, causing it to become damaged. Hawthorn Leaf Blight – Hawthorn leaf blight can devastate mayhaw crops. Fruit of infected trees are known to drop prematurely, as well as take on a brown, wrinkled appearance. It is especially important to remove infected materials from the garden, as the spores will overwinter, causing even more issues in the future.

Treating Sick Mayhaw Trees

As with many fruit tree diseases, prevention is a key component to maintaining healthy plants and producing abundant crops. Both bacterial and fungal spores which cause disease are transmitted by wind during optimal weather conditions needed for spread. Gardeners are able to reduce the risk of infection by reducing the presence of previously infected plant matter near mayhaw trees. Additionally, choosing varieties of disease resistant mayhaw will help to ensure the healthiest plants possible. Unfortunately, treatment options for already infected plants are minimal.

Whether an avid fruit gardener, or just looking to add visual appeal to an already established yard or landscape, adding less common native fruits is an enjoyable endeavor. Some types, especially edible wild fruits, may be difficult to find online or in local plant nurseries. In many cases, home gardeners may need to find other means by which to obtain specific fruit trees. Many hard-to-find fruit trees, such as the mayhaw, are easily propagated through stem cuttings. Rooted stem cuttings are an easy way to expand the garden while maintaining a budget.

What are Mayhaw Trees?

Mayhaw trees are most commonly found growing in moist soils in the southeastern United States. Each spring, trees produce red fruits called “haws.” Though the tart fruits are not commonly eaten raw, they are a wonderful choice for homemade jellies and syrups. While mayhaw trees are able to be grown from seed, there are quite a few obstacles which one may encounter. Mayhaw trees often grow “true to type.” This means that a plant produced from seed will be very similar to the parent from which the seed was taken. However, in many cases, seeds collected may not be viable. Additionally, germination of the seeds may prove to be exceptionally difficult, as cold stratification is required. Without cold treatment, seeds are unlikely to germinate. Growing mayhaw trees through cutting propagation is an easy way to ensure quality plants for the home orchard with minimal effort.

Mayhaw Cutting Propagation

Growing mayhaw trees from cuttings is one of the simplest ways of obtaining your own plants. To root mayhaw cuttings, simply cut a length of stem or branch from the mayhaw tree. Look for softwood, as it is more likely to root and is the young, green growth. Many gardeners have also had success with propagation through cuttings of more mature, hardwood. Once the softwood or hardwood cutting is made, dip the end of the cutting into rooting hormone. Although this step is optional, many gardeners use rooting compound in the hopes of improving their chances of success. After dipping the cutting end in rooting hormone, place it into moist growing medium throughout summer. Cuttings will need a combination of moisture and humidity in order to begin growing new roots. Once the cuttings have become established, you can transplant into the garden. Mayhaw trees will tolerate wet soils, however, these plants will thrive better when planted in well-draining, acidic locations.

Perhaps, you grow a mayhaw (Crataegus spp.) tree in a shady spot in your backyard for the fruit to make delicious jellies, sauces, and wines. Maybe you have these trees growing wild near your pond and enjoy the showy spring blooms. Whatever the case, trimming mayhaws at some point may become crucial. Read on to learn more.

About Mayhaw Pruning

Some homeowners grow mayhaw trees instead of dogwoods for the early flowering display. Sometimes growth gets out of hand and it is necessary to prune mayhaw trees. Trimming mayhaws is common for those who use them as landscape specimens or in orchards. The round top may become so dense that light can't reach the interior branches. The tree may be taking up more space than you’d like. These are reasons for mayhaw pruning, as is the yearly removal of root sprouts and basal suckers.

When to Prune a Mayhaw

Some of the most necessary pruning begins as you train the mayhaw tree to have a single leader or trunk. Some experts suggest mayhaw pruning should start on the day of planting. This type of pruning is done with many fruit trees to avoid the splitting of the trunk that is possible when double leaders or codominant stems are allowed to grow. Training the tree to a single leader can begin at an early age if the double leaders are visible. Also, remove branches that grow at two feet (60 cm.) or lower. Sometimes it is necessary to prune mayhaw trees in their first five years to correct problems before they occur. Consider mayhaw pruning to keep your tree open and attractive.

How to Prune Mayhaw Trees

As reasons for pruning mayhaw trees are numerous, it is prudent to learn how to prune mayhaw. This task includes precise cuts for thinning branches to allow for better light penetration causing fruit to grow and ripen more readily. Make cuts as smoothly as possible with sharp cutters. Sanitize pruning tools between cuts to avoid transmission of disease. Pruning mayhaw trees can be dangerous because of the sharp thorns on the tree. A member of the Hawthorn family, these thorns accompany the fruit and require thick gloves and other protection when pruning. Dispose of pruned materials properly. Learning when to prune a mayhaw is essential for the overall development of young trees and the maintenance of those that have matured. Mayhaw pruning makes your tree healthy and productive.

Mayhaws are common trees native to the southern United States. They are a member of the Hawthorn family and have been prized for their delicious, crabapple-like fruit and stunning profusions of white spring blossoms. Animals find mayhaws irresistible as well, but how about bugs that eat mayhaw? Deer and rabbits are mayhaw pests that can destroy a tree in no time, but does the mayhaw get insect problems? Read on to learn about pests of mayhaw.

Do Mayhaw Have Insect Problems?

While several mammals and birds enjoy the fruit of the mayhaw as much as people do, if not more, there are really no serious mayhaw insect problems. That said, there is limited information on mayhaw pests and management, probably because the tree is rarely commercially cultivated.

Pests of Mayhaw

While there are no serious pest threats to mayhaw trees, that is not to say that there are no pests. Indeed, the plum curculio is the most aggressive and can cause significant damage to the fruit. Plum curculio can be controlled with the use of a spray program as part of an integrated pest management program. Other common pests, besides the deer and rabbits, that can affect maymaw trees, include the following:

• Aphids
• Flat-headed apple borers
• Hawthorn lace bug
• Thrips
• Leaf miners
• Mealybugs
• Apple maggots
• Whiteflies
• White-fringed beetles

These mayhaw pests may feed on the foliage, flower, fruit, and wood of the tree or a combination thereof. Of more concern when growing mayhaw are diseases such as brown rot that can decimate a crop if left unchecked.

Cockspur hawthorn is a flowering tree with horizontal branches spiked with large thorns. Thornless cockspur hawthorns are a user-friendly variety that allow gardeners to invite these North American natives into the garden without those thorny branches. For information about thornless hawthorn trees, including tips on how to grow a thornless cockspur hawthorn, read on.

About Thornless Cockspur Hawthorns

Anyone having a close relationship with a cockspur hawthorn (Crataegus crus-galli) probably has scratches to show for it. These dense shrubs, native to eastern Canada and the United States, bear long, sharp thorns that can draw blood. Like the species plant, thornless cockspur hawthorns grow into rather short trees with broad, rounded canopies and horizontal branches. They top out at about 30 feet (9 m.) tall and equally wide. Thornless hawthorn trees usually are low branched with dense foliage. Sometimes they are seen growing as large, flat-topped shrubs. Thornless hawthorn trees sport dark green leaves during the growing season, then flame red, orange, and yellow in autumn. The trees lose their leaves in the winter and regrow them in the spring. White flowers that appear in early spring turn into red berries. These berries ripen in fall. They hang on the trees well into winter, providing desirable food for wild birds and small mammals.

Growing a Thornless Cockspur Hawthorn

If you are thinking of growing a thornless cockspur hawthorn, you’ll find the tree an ornamental delight in a garden. They have the distinct advantage of not being armed and dangerous, as well as the best characteristics of the hawthorn. These deciduous trees grow in USDA plant hardiness zones 4 through 8. If you want to know how to grow a thornless cockspur hawthorn, the first tip is to plant it in a sunny location. They need six hours of direct sun to thrive. Caring for thornless hawthorn and keeping them healthy is easier if you plant them in moist, well-drained soil. They grow in both acidic and alkaline soil. Although thornless hawthorn trees develop drought tolerance, you can avoid any possibility by proper irrigation. Make an occasional water part of your routine in caring for thornless hawthorn trees.

Like its relatives, the apple, pear, and crabapple trees, the English hawthorn is a prolific flower producer in spring. This tree is a beautiful sight when it’s covered with an impressive quantity of small flowers in shades of white, pink, or red. It can grow in difficult environments most trees will not tolerate. Read on to learn about English hawthorn care.

What is an English Hawthorn?

English hawthorn, or Crataegus laevigata, is a small to medium-sized tree native to Europe and North Africa. It typically grows to reach 15 to 25 feet (5-8 m.), with a similar spread. The tree has lobed, green leaves and attractive bark similar to that of an apple tree. The branches of most varieties are thorny. English hawthorn is adapted to USDA zones 4b to 8. English hawthorns are commonly used as street trees and in urban landscapes, since they are tolerant of poor air and soil conditions and can be grown successfully even where the roots will be confined to relatively small spaces. They are also grown as bonsai or espalier trees. Abundant flowers in white, pink, lavender, or red appear on the tree in spring, followed by small red or orange fruit. Varieties bred for specific flower colors or with doubled flowers are available.

How to Grow English Hawthorn

Growing English hawthorns is easy. Like all hawthorn trees, they can tolerate a wide range of soil pH and moisture conditions, though the trees do not tolerate salt spray or saline soil. When choosing a site for the tree, be sure fallen fruit will not be a nuisance. These trees grow relatively slowly, but they live 50 to 150 years. For optimal English hawthorn care, plant in well-drained soil in sun to light shade and water regularly. However, established trees can tolerate dry conditions. English hawthorn trees are susceptible to several diseases, including leaf blight and leaf spot, and they are susceptible to fire blight and some other diseases that affect apples. Some cultivars, such as “Crimson Cloud,” may resist leaf diseases. Aphids, lace bugs, and several other insects may attack the foliage. Hopefully this English hawthorn info will help you decide whether this tree is right for your property.

Washington hawthorn trees (Crataegus phaenopyrum) are native to the southeastern part of this country. They are cultivated for their showy flowers, bright-colored fruit, and lovely fall colors. A relatively small tree, Washington hawthorn makes a nice addition to a backyard or garden. Keep reading for tips on how to grow Washington hawthorn trees.

Washington Hawthorn Information

If you are thinking of growing a Washington hawthorn, you’ll find a lot to love in this native deciduous tree. It offers fragrant spring flowers that attract butterflies and bright fruit called haws that wild birds love. These hawthorns are also lovely in autumn. The green foliage blazes into shade of orange, scarlet, crimson, and purple. Washington hawthorn trees don’t get taller than 30 feet (9 m.). Cultivated specimens can be considerably shorter. Those thinking of growing Washington hawthorn will want to know that the branches have large spines, however. That makes them good candidates for a defensive hedge but probably not a good idea if you have pets or small children running around.

Washington Hawthorn Care

Before you start planting a Washington hawthorn, be sure you are in an appropriate hardiness zone. Washington hawthorn trees thrive in USDA plant hardiness zones 3 through 8. Instructions on how to grow a Washington hawthorn are not complex. Plant the tree in moist, well-draining soil in a full sun location. If you find the optimal site, Washington hawthorn care and maintenance will be minimal. These trees require regular irrigation after planting. When the root system is established, their demand for water diminished. Still, moderate irrigation remains part of its routine care. Like other hawthorn trees, Washington hawthorns are susceptible to attack by many types of insects and a variety of diseases. Preventing or dealing with these is crucial. Pests that attack these trees include aphids and pear slugs (sawfly larvae), but these can be eliminated by spraying water from a garden hose. Borers only attack weak trees, so avoid this pest by keeping your hawthorn vigorous and healthy. The trees can also be attacked by leaf miners, lace bugs, and tent caterpillars. Spider mites can also be a problem, but all of these pests can be treated if detected early. In terms of diseases, Washington hawthorn trees are susceptible to fire blight. Look for brown branch tips that appear scorched. Prune out diseased branch tips a foot (31 cm.) or two beyond the blighted wood. Leaf blight and cedar hawthorn rust can also cause problems.

Cockspur hawthorn trees (Crataegus crusgalli) are small flowering trees that are most notable and recognizable for their long thorns, growing up to 3 inches (8 cm.). In spite of its thorniness, this type of hawthorn is desirable because it is attractive and can be used for hedging.

Cockspur Hawthorn Info

The Cockspur hawthorn is just one of several varieties of hawthorn tree. It is native to the eastern U.S. and Canada and is hardy to zone 4. Growing a Cockspur hawthorn isn’t difficult, but it can be prickly. The large thorns that grow all over the stems mean that this is not a great choice for yards where small children or pets will be playing. The branches grow low to the ground, so thorns can be a real problem for kids. Aside from the thorns, this is an attractive tree for most yards. It grows to a height of between 20 and 30 feet (6-9 m.). The tree produces pretty white flowers in spring—these smell terrible but they only last for a week—and red fruit in the fall that persist late into the season. Since Cockspur hawthorn has a round, dense growth habit with branches close to the ground, it makes a good option for a hedge.

How to Grow Cockspur Hawthorn

Cockspur hawthorn care relies largely on making sure it you choose the right location for it with the right conditions. These trees like full sun but will tolerate partial sun. It adapts well to poor soils, a variety of soil pH levels, drought, heat, and even salt spray, making this a good choice for urban settings. These hawthorns do best with soil that drains well. One issue that can make growing a Cockspur hawthorn more challenging is that it tends to be vulnerable to pests and diseases such as:

• Leaf blotch miner
• Cedar hawthorn rust
• Leaf blight
• Powdery mildew
• Borers
• Western tent caterpillars
• Lace bugs
• Aphids
• Leaf spots

Monitor your tree to catch any of these issues early, before they become overwhelming and difficult to manage. Most are only cosmetic, but in some cases these pests or diseases can affect the health of the tree.

Hawthorn shrubs are short and gnarly. These native North American trees make excellent defensive hedges with their dense growth pattern and thorny branches. If you want to know how to transplant a hawthorn shrub or when to move a hawthorn hedge, read on. You’ll find lots of good tips for transplanting hawthorn hedges.

Transplanting Hawthorn Hedges

Hawthorns (Crataegus monogyna) are often used for hedges. A dense hawthorn hedge offers great protection for small wildlife and birds and also does a good job at keeping out intruders. Hawthorns produce flowers in early summer, followed by showy berries. These stay on the shrubs into winter, providing birds with food during the cold months. Although the shrubs are happy campers once they are in the soil, the “thorn” part of hawthorn becomes important if you are thinking of hawthorn hedge transplanting or trimming hawthorns for that matter.

When to Move a Hawthorn Hedge

The first thing to figure out is when to transplant your hedge. Some plants survive a move best if transplanted in fall. Others are happier being moved in spring. If you are wondering when to move a hawthorn hedge, do it in the beginning of the growing season. Therefore, in most areas, you’ll do best transplanting hawthorn hedges in spring.

How to Transplant a Hawthorn Shrub

Healthy shrubs have a better chance of surviving a move, so build up your plants before you start transplanting hawthorn hedges. Start this procedure the summer before the move by fertilizing appropriately, providing sufficient irrigation, and pruning out dead wood. The next step in hawthorn hedge transplanting is to root prune the shrubs the autumn before the move. This encourages the shrubs to grow more compact root systems that can move with them to the new location. The way to do this is to draw a circle around each shrub wide enough to include the root ball. Then dig straight down along the circle with a sharp spade, cutting off longer roots as you go. Come spring, pick your new site and prepare the planting holes for the hedge plants. Soak the soil around the hawthorns the day before moving. Reopen the circle around each plant and dig down until your shovel is under the root ball. You’ll want to tie in the branches loosely. This helps prevent getting your eyes raked by thorns. When this is done, lift the shrub’s root ball and place it on a tarp. Keep the roots covered and get it replanted as quickly as possible. To replant the hedge, place each shrub in the hole you dug for it, spreading out the roots. Plant each to the line of the soil mark on the stem. Firm the soil around each hawthorn shrub carefully to eliminate air pockets. Irrigate the newly transplanted hawthorns immediately after planting. Keep watering frequently during their first year in the new location.

Although serious pruning is not required, you can prune your hawthorn tree to keep it looking neat. Removal of dead, diseased, or broken branches will aid in this process while stimulating new growth for flowers and fruit. Read on for hawthorn pruning info.

About Hawthorn Trees

A hawthorn tree is a hardy, fruit-bearing, flower-growing tree that has been known to live for up to 400 years. The hawthorn flowers twice a year and from the flowers comes the fruit. Each flower produces seed, and from the seed, shiny red berries hang in clusters from the tree. The best climate for growing hawthorn trees is in USDA plant hardiness zones 5 through 9. These trees love full sun and good drainage. The hawthorn is a favorite among homeowners because its size and shape make it easy to prune as a hedge or use as a natural border.

When to Prune Hawthorns

You should never prune a hawthorn tree before it is established. Trimming hawthorn trees before they mature can stunt their growth. Your tree should grow 4 to 6 feet (1-2 m.) before pruning. Pruning should be done when the tree is dormant, during the winter months. Pruning during the winter months will encourage new flower production for the following spring.

How to Prune a Hawthorn Tree

Proper pruning of hawthorn trees requires tools that are of good quality and sharp. To protect you from the 3-inch (7.5 cm.) thorns that protrude from the tree trunk and branches, it is important to wear protective clothing such as long pants, long sleeve shirt, heavy work gloves, and protective eye gear. You will want to use a pruning saw for the larger branches and loppers and clippers for the smaller branches. For example, you will need hand clippers for cutting small branches up to a ¼-inch (0.5 cm.) diameter, loppers for cutting branches up to an inch (2.5 cm.) in diameter, and a pruning saw for branches over 1 ¼-inch (3 cm.) in diameter. Once again, remember that they need to be sharp in order to make clean cuts. To begin hawthorn pruning, cut any broken or dead branches close to the branch collar, which is at the base of each branch. Do not cut flush with the trunk of the tree; doing this will increase the chances of decay in the trunk of the tree. Make all cuts just beyond a lateral twig or bud that faces the direction you want the branch to grow. Removal of any cross branches or sprouts from the base of the tree and also the interior of the tree helps prevent diseases because it improves circulation throughout the tree. If you are trimming your hawthorn as a shrub, trim the top branches and leaves if they are growing too high. If you prefer a tree, the lower limbs need to be cut to create a single trunk.

Hawthorn trees are a delight to have in the landscape because of their attractive shape, shade potential, and clusters of pink or white flowers that bloom in spring. Songbirds love hawthorns too, and they'll visit often in fall and winter to enjoy the bright colored berries. Most hawthorn trees grow 15 to 30 feet (4.5-9 m.) tall—the perfect size for urban gardens. Growing hawthorn plants comes with its share of problems because they are susceptible to a number of diseases, including apple scab, fire blight, leaf spots, leaf blights, and several types of rust. Some of the diseases are potentially fatal and they leave the foliage and twigs looking tattered by the end of the season. If you decide to grow a hawthorn tree, look for a disease resistant variety such as ‘Winter King' or 'Washington' hawthorn.

Types of Hawthorn

There are so many different types of hawthorn trees that it's difficult to choose just one. Here are a few to consider:

• Crataegus crus-galli var. inermis is commonly called thornless cockspur hawthorn. It has a lovely orange-red fall color and 3 inch (8 cm.) clusters of white flowers that bloom in spring.
• C. laevigata ‘Crimson Cloud' is an English hawthorn with bright red flowers and fine-textured leaves.
• C. phaenopyrum, called Washington hawthorn, is more disease resistant than most. The leaves go through a succession of color changes and the flowers are bright white.

How to Grow Hawthorn

Hawthorn trees need full sun and well-drained soil. They tolerate almost any type of soil and variations in pH. Set the trees out in spring so they'll have a full season to become established before winter. In large settings they look great in groups, and they are pretty enough to stand alone as specimens in small gardens. Although they make great lawn and street trees, avoid planting thorny varieties where children play or where pedestrians pass. The thorns are fierce and can be as much as 3 inches (8 cm.) long. Water the trees during dry spells for the first year. Afterward, they are drought resistant. Feed hawthorns annually for the first three years with a balanced fertilizer and every other year thereafter.

Additional Hawthorn Care

Hawthorn trees need little pruning. Remove suckers that arise from the base of the trunk. You can trim the canopy, if necessary, to keep it looking neat. Make cuts just beyond a lateral twig or bud that faces the direction in which you want the branch to grow. You might want to make routine spraying a part of your hawthorn tree care plan. Hawthorns are bothered by lace bugs, aphids, mites, and scale and these insects can get out of control unless you treat them early. Use a lightweight horticultural oil early in the season. You can damage the tree by spraying with horticultural oils at the wrong time, so read the label instructions carefully before spraying. Use a general-purpose spray labeled for hawthorn trees later in the season.