Description
This tree has glossy green leaves which appear in the spring accompanied by creamy white flowers in May, but it’s the autumn colour we look forward to with its’ show of bright red and orange foliage. Small and plentiful shiny red fruits appear towards the end of the summer and remain on the tree in autumn and well into winter, until they are eaten by wildlife.
Crataegus x prunifolia originates in Eastern America, it is a hybrid between Crataegus crus-galli and macracantha and won the Award of Garden Merit in 2002.
As with other Hawthorns, it’s a tough contender, performing well on all soil types, including very wet or dry conditions.
This small tree has a compact crown so forms a neat canopy at maturity. It is a great choice for year-round interest and should be considered at the very top of the list for exposed or coastal gardens as it is one of the very few ornamental varieties that will tolerate both salt and wind exposure.
Like other Hawthorn varieties, it is a great choice for planting projects which aim to extend floral displays well into the summer. Beware of the longer thorns on this species.
This tree is good for bees and birds.
Mature height: 5-7m
