anyone have a washington hawthorn tree?

Question

im considering planting one in our front yard to provide some shade in the summer.....in sacramento the summers are brutal, and shade is an energy saver.

wondering if the tree is messy, what shape it has, susceptible to any diseases or bugs.....general stuff..

thanks

Answer 1

Crataegus phaenopyrum Washington Hawthorn grows 25' by 20'. broadly oval to rounded, dense thorny tree. foliage is a reddish purple when unfolding gradually changing to lustrous dark green at maturity; fall color varies from orange to scarlet through purplish; flowers are white,1/2",not badly scented compared to C.mollis...blooms 7 to 10 days in early June. fruit is a bright glossy red,1/4". Excellent single specimen plant,screen,near buildings,streets,borders,hedges.on the U. of Georgia campus this species has been outstanding for fruit display. southeast native. zone 4 to 8. not too messy. hawthorns,though lovely ornamentals, are severely affected by pests,rust,miners,etc. gt however, with proper care it would be a good shade tree. the one on campus has been fine for 16 years