Crataegus - Cockspur, Crimson Cloud, Hawthorn, Red Haw, Thorns
(Cratae'gus)
DESCRIPTION: This is a large group of hardy, deciduous trees and a few shrubs that are commonly known as Hawthorns or Thorns; other common names will be mentioned by its tree. Most of the Hawthorns are natives of North America; others are natives of Europe, Asia Minor, China, Japan, the Old World and the Himalayas. Hawthorns are beautiful, flowering trees suitable for shading patios, decorating lawns and lining streets. These hard-wooded trees can be grown in exposed locations as well as tolerate city living. Hawthorns begin to bloom two years after planting. Pink, white or red, 5-petaled flowers are produced in 2- to 3-inch clusters, in the spring. The blossoms are followed by red, apple-shaped fruits that are less than an inch across. These fruits, called haws, can be used to make jelly or jam. They often persist on the branches well into the winter. All species are equipped with very sharp thorns. C. arnoldiana (Arnold Hawthorn) grows from 20 to 30 feet high and produces 2- to 3-inch, oval leaves with serrated edges. The white flowers of this variety are followed by fruits that ripen in mid-summer and remain on the twigs only until early autumn. C. crus-gallii (Cockspur Hawthorn or Cockspur) grows 20 to 35 feet high and is covered with 11/2- to 3-inch, glossy dark green leaves that turn orange and red in autumn. It has 11/2- to 3-inch, curving thorns. It bears white flowers and its fruit remains on the branches throughout most of the winter. C. oxyacantha superba (Crimson Cloud) is an English Hawthorn that produces bright red, single flowers with white centers. Its fruit clings most of the winter. C. oxyacantha plena is a pretty variety having pink, double flowers. C. orientalis is an Oriental Hawthorn that produces deeply cut, grayish leaves and large coral-red fruit.
POTTING: Hawthorns need a location with full sun. They can be grown in almost any well-drained soil that is acidic or alkaline. Trees should be bought and planted when they are no more than 8 feet in height. The best times to plant is in the fall or spring, though trees that are bought balled and burlapped should be planted in the early spring. When pruning is necessary, it should be done in the winter or very early spring. This consists of maintaining a clear leading shoot on young trees or removing the weakest branches from older trees to allow more light to pass through. Suckers or stems that arise from the roots should be removed when they are seen.
PROPAGATION: You can increase your trees by sowing seeds in pots of sandy soil in a cool greenhouse in the fall; these usually sprout the following spring. Seeds sown outside or in a cold frame usually don't sprout for a year or more. Double-flowered and other special varieties of the English Hawthorns can be increased by grafting on seedling stocks of C. Oxyacantha or C. monogyna, in the spring. Layering may also be done the fall and root cuttings may be taken.
VARIETIES:
American Hawthorns - C. arnoldiana; C. crus-gallii & var. inermis (thornless); C. lavallei; C. carrierii; C. mollis; C. mordenensis 'Toba'; C. nitida; C. phaenopyrum or C. cordata; C. pruinosa; C. pubescens.
English Hawthorns - C. monogyna & var. stricta, biflora, pendula, semperflorens; C. oxyacantha & var. superba, paulii, plena, rosea-plena, flore-plena, punicea, rosea, Gireoudii, Masekii.
Oriental Hawthorns - C. Azarolus; C. hupehensis; C.orientalis; C. tanacetifolia; C. Wattiana.
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