The Master Gardener Articles

---

Crataegus viridis (Hawthorns)

The winter color of fruit on some deciduous trees can be outstanding against the backdrop of snow. One plant you might want to consider is Crataegus viridis “Winter King”.  If you don’t look closely you might mistake it for a crabapple. If you grab a branch of a hawthorn, you will retreat quickly from an encounter with a sharp thorn.  This is not true with crabapple. This is a rounded, spreading dense tree growing 20-35 high and wide. The foliage will turn purple to scarlet in the fall. The flowers are white, ¾ inches in diameter on clusters 2-3 inches across.

In early winter, the fruit is a bright red, one-half inch in diameter and persist into the winter. The color of the fruit and the habit of growth are eye stoppers. This is one of the most outstanding hawthorns for landscape use in Union County. Near the corner of Paver Barnes Road and State Route 245 and on East Delaware Road just after you cross the tracks heading East, you will find this outstanding “Winter King”.

For more information email George McVey at gmcvey@ag.osu.edu or go to the Ohioline web site at http://www.ohioline.osu.edu and search for the fact sheet HYG 1143-96, Trees and Shrubs with All Season Interest.