Crataegus viridis Winter King (Green Hawthorn)

Crataegus viridis 'Winter King' (Green Hawthorn) is a dense, rounded, deciduous tree with a broad spreading crown and silvery-green branches clad with lustrous, serrate, ovate to elliptic, dark green leaves. Unlike most hawthorns, this selection is mostly thornless, with only occasional small thorns, 1 in. long (2.5 cm). In late spring, a profusion of fragrant, white flowers held in clusters (corymbs) provide a spectacular spring floral display. The blossoms are followed by large red fruits in fall that usually persist on the tree well into winter. Edible, they can be harvested to make jelly or left for the hungry birds. The foliage turns attractive shades of purple and scarlet before shedding to the ground, revealing the vase-shaped branching structure and the exfoliating orange bark on older stems. Excellent choice as a small ornamental tree or for use against an evergreen background, where the silvery stems and persistent red fruit are more conspicuous. Winter King is noted for its disease resistance.

• Grows up to 25-35 ft. tall and wide (7-11 m).
• A full sun lover, this tree is easily grown in dry to medium, well-drained soils.
• Perfect as a specimen tree for cottage gardens or city gardens as it is tolerant of urban pollution.
• Requires only minimal pruning in late winter or early spring, to remove damaged, diseased or misplaced growth.
• Keep an eye out for caterpillars, gall mites, aphids, leaf spots and fireblight.
• Propagate by budding in mid-summer or grafting in winter