Green Hawthorn

The Green Hawthorn (Crataegus viridis ‘Winter King’) is a small- to medium-sized ornamental flowering tree. It has a very dense branching habit with a rounded, vase-like crown. This hawthorn does have thorns, but they are smaller and are more occasionally dispersed than other varieties.

This tree's flowers bloom in mid-late spring and are white and clustered with a pleasant aroma. Large red pomes follow the flowers in the fall and can stay on the tree well into the winter. These fruits are also edible and can be used for jams but are certain to attract species of birds. This tree also has an attractive display of fall foliage, its dark green leaves turning from purples to deep reds. Once the leaves drop the silver-green branches and light brown and orange exfoliating bark is revealed to provide interest in the bleak winter months.  

The Green Hawthorn was selected and introduced in Vincennes, Indiana in 1955 by Simpson Nursery. The tree it was selected from is still alive today and over a century old. This cultivar is unique in its spectacular winter berry color, less thorns, and silver-green branches. This tree does great as a specimen in a park or yard either in the city or less populated places due to its ornamental value, dense canopy that provides shade, and ability to withstand pollution. It does best in full sun and can withstand a variety of soil conditions.