Crataegus viridis 'Winter King' - Winter King Green Hawthorn

The new "in vogue" accent tree for home use, and with good reason; snowy white flowers in spring, an abundance of showy red fruit in fall, excellent fall color and a simply amazing criss-crossing branching habit; disease resistant, but very thorny

Height: 25 feet. Spread: 25 feet. Sun: full sun. Hardiness zone: 4a.

Ornamental features

Winter King Hawthorn is blanketed in stunning clusters of white flowers held atop the branches in mid spring. The fruits are showy tomato-orange pomes carried in abundance from early fall to late winter. It has green deciduous foliage. The glossy pointy leaves turn an outstanding burgundy in the fall. The peeling silver bark adds an interesting dimension to the landscape.

Landscape

Winter King Hawthorn is a dense deciduous tree with an upright spreading habit of growth. Its average texture blends into the landscape, but can be balanced by one or two finer or coarser trees or shrubs for an effective composition.

This is a relatively low maintenance tree, and is best pruned in late winter once the threat of extreme cold has passed. Gardeners should be aware of the following characteristic(s) that may warrant special consideration;

Recommended for: Accent, Hedges/Screening.

Planting and growing

Winter King Hawthorn will grow to be about 25 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 25 feet. It has a low canopy with a typical clearance of 4 feet from the ground, and is suitable for planting under power lines. It grows at a medium rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for 50 years or more.

This tree should only be grown in full sunlight. It is very adaptable to both dry and moist growing conditions, but will not tolerate any standing water. It is not particular as to soil type or pH. It is highly tolerant of urban pollution and will even thrive in inner city environments. This is a selection of a native North American species.

Photo courtesy of NetPS Plant Finder.

Photo courtesy of J. Frank Schmidt & Son Co.