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Single-seeded hawthorn

Crataegus monogyna

Common names:
single-seeded hawthorn, oneseed hawthorn, common hawthorn

Content Detail

Single-seeded hawthorn, like other hawthorns, bears white flowers in spring, followed by red fruits. Unlike other hawthorns, the flowers are sweetly scented, as opposed to most hawthorn flowers which have an “off” odor.

  • Family (English) Rose
  • Family (botanic) Rosaceae
  • Planting site Residential and parks, Wide median
  • Tree or plant type Tree
  • Foliage Deciduous (seasonally loses leaves)
  • Native locale Non-native
  • Size range Small tree (15-25 feet), Medium tree (25-40 feet)
  • Mature height 20-30 feet
  • Mature width 20-40 feet
  • Light exposure Full sun (6 hrs direct light daily)
  • Hardiness zones Zone 4, Zone 5 (Northern Illinois), Zone 6 (City of Chicago), Zone 7
  • Soil preference Acid soil, Moist, well-drained soil
  • Tolerances Alkaline soil, Dry sites
  • Season of interest mid spring, late spring
  • Flower color and fragrance Fragrant, White
  • Shape or form Round
  • Growth rate Moderate
  • Transplants well No
  • Planting considerations Aggressive, Dangerous thorns, May be difficult to find in nurseries
  • Wildlife Migrant birds
  • Has cultivars Yes

Native geographic location and habitat: 

Single-seeded hawthorn is native to Europe and Asia.

Bark color and texture: 

Stems are heavily armored with thorns. The gray bark is rough and slightly shaggy with age.

Leaf or needle arrangement, size, shape, and texture: 

The simple, alternate leaves are deeply lobed and the leaf margins are toothed.

Flower arrangement, shape, and size: 

Creamy white flowers form in flat-topped clusters. The flowers are fragrant.

Fruit, cone, nut, and seed descriptions: 

Fruit is a red berry (pome) that persists into winter.

 

Plant care:

Single-seeded hawthorn has thorns and should be sited carefully.

List of pests, diseases, and tolerances:

This tree can self-seed very aggressively. Tolerant of black walnut toxicity.

 

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