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Washington hawthorn
Scientific Name: Crataegus phaenopyrum
Family: Rosaceae
Category: Dicot
Growth: Tree, Shrub
Duration: Perennial
Other Names: FL (Washington thorn)
Washington Hawthorn (Crataegus phaenopyrum)
The Washington Hawthorn is a popular ornamental tree known for its showy flowers and colorful foliage. It is often used in home gardens and landscaping.
Considerations for Pets
- The text mentions that Washington Hawthorn has thorns, sometimes referred to as "lethal spears".
- The berries contain a single seed.
Considerations for Children
- The text mentions that Washington Hawthorn has thorns, sometimes referred to as "lethal spears".
- The berries contain a single seed.
Scientific Name and Common Names
- Scientific Name: Crataegus phaenopyrum
- Common Names: Washington Hawthorn, Washington Thorn, Washington Haw, Red Hawthorn, Virginia Hawthorn, Maple-leaved Hawthorn
- Additional Common Names: Haws, Pirliteiro
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Family: Rosaceae
- Synonyms: Crataegus cordata (formally known as), Crataegus phaenopyrum (L. f.) Medik.
Distribution and Habitat
- Native to the eastern and southern United States, particularly in the Southeast.
- Primarily found in open ground, thickets, and wood margins, especially in the Ozark region.
- While native to the eastern half of the United States, it has been introduced as a planted species in some northern states.
- Adapts well to a variety of soils, including those in Texas.
Ecological Role
- In King County, Washington, English hawthorn is classified as a Non-Regulated Noxious Weed, suggesting that related species might become invasive in some regions.
Morphological Characteristics
- Deciduous tree or shrub typically growing to a height of 20-25 feet, but can reach up to 32 feet tall and 20 feet across.
- Dense, round-headed form with slender, upright branches and a short trunk.
- May have single or multiple trunks at the base.
- Showy white to cream flowers that bloom in late spring to early summer.
- Dark green summer foliage.
- Burgundy late autumn color.
- Late autumn and early winter red berries.
- Toothed leaves that are reddish-purple in the spring.
- Has thorns.
Quirky Facts
- The Latin word Crataegus means hardness or strength.
- Thomas Jefferson ordered 4,000 thorns from the Thomas Main nursery in March 1805.
- The Washington hawthorn was apparently widely planted in Washington D.C. when the country was first being.
- Washington hawthorn was brought into Pennsylvania from Washington, D.C., as a hedge plant.
- The flowers have a malodorous scent.
Further Information
- Arbor Day Foundation: arborday.org (for size, height, growth rate, sun and soil preference, and more)
- Dave's Garden (community for sharing gardening tips and ideas)
- Leafsnap (electronic field guide with images of the leaf, flower, fruit, seed, petiole, bark, and tree)
- USDA PLANTS Database (Symbol: CRPH)