Russian Hawthorn
Crataegus ambigua
Russian Hawthorn (Crataegus ambigua) is a tree suited to the Colorado Front Range, rated "Recommended" on the 2024 Front Range Tree Recommendation List. It matures to about 15–20 ft tall and 15–20 ft wide, needs low water, and prefers full sun to partial shade.
low water15–20 ft tall and 15–20 ft wideXeric / water-wiseDeer-resistant
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At a glance
- Rating
- Recommended
- Botanical name
- Crataegus ambigua
- Variety / cultivar
- Russian
- Type
- Tree
- Mature size
- 15–20 ft tall and 15–20 ft wide
- Mature form
- Rounded
- Spacing / clearance
- ~20 ft of clearance
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 4–8
- Growth rate
- Moderate
- Lifespan
- Medium
- Fall color
- Orange, red
- Water needs
- low water
- Sun
- Best in full sun; tolerates partial shade.
- Colorado native
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Soil
- clay, loam, sandy
- Soil pH
- 6.0–8.2
- Hail tolerance
- moderate
- Wind tolerance
- moderate
- Salt tolerance
- moderate
- Bloom color
- white
- Bloom time
- mid spring, late spring
- Pollinator value
- high
Site factors to consider
- Critical: Insects & DiseasesMain pressure here is Fireblight and Cedar-hawthorn rust, so keep it vigorous with steady water and a well-chosen site.
Wildlife & ecology
- Pollinator value
- high
- Deer
- Generally deer-resistant
Common problems on the Front Range
- Fireblight
- Cedar-hawthorn rust
These are general tendencies for this group of plants on the Front Range, not a diagnosis. Many are stress-driven and preventable with good siting and watering. For a specific plant or an active problem, consult a certified arborist or your local CSU Extension office.
Planting & establishment
Water deeply every 7–10 days through the first 2 summers. Winter water 1–2×/month October–March when soil is dry and unfrozen, winter desiccation is a top killer of newly-planted trees. Year 3: taper to 2×/month in summer, then rely on natural precipitation.
Frequently asked questions
- Is Russian Hawthorn good for the Colorado Front Range?
- Yes, Russian Hawthorn is a well-suited tree for Colorado's Front Range, rated "Recommended" on the 2024 Front Range Tree Recommendation List.
- How big does Russian Hawthorn get?
- It matures to about 15–20 ft tall and 15–20 ft wide.
- How much room does Russian Hawthorn need?
- Give Russian Hawthorn about 20 ft of clearance from buildings, fences, and other trees so the mature canopy isn't crowded.
- What shape does Russian Hawthorn grow into?
- Russian Hawthorn typically grows into a broad, rounded crown, the classic shade-tree silhouette. This is the species' usual mature form, named cultivars (columnar, weeping, or compact selections) can differ, so check the specific cultivar.
- Is Russian Hawthorn hardy on the Front Range?
- Russian Hawthorn is hardy in USDA 4–8. The Colorado Front Range spans roughly USDA 4b–6a, so it is well within range.
- How much water does Russian Hawthorn need?
- It needs low water once established.
- How fast does Russian Hawthorn grow?
- Russian Hawthorn is a moderate-growing tree. Growth rate depends on water and site conditions on the Front Range.
- How long does Russian Hawthorn live?
- Russian Hawthorn has a moderate lifespan for a Front Range tree. Actual lifespan varies with site, water, and care.
- What color does Russian Hawthorn turn in fall?
- Russian Hawthorn turns orange and red in autumn. Fall color intensity varies with the season and site on the Front Range.
- Is Russian Hawthorn native to Colorado?
- No. It is not a Colorado native, but it grows well on the Front Range.
- Is Russian Hawthorn deer-resistant?
- Russian Hawthorn is generally considered deer-resistant, though no plant is deer-proof when browse pressure is high.
- Is Russian Hawthorn prone to pests or disease on the Front Range?
- Russian Hawthorn can be affected by fireblight and other issues common to this group on the Front Range. These are general tendencies, not a diagnosis, many are stress-driven and preventable with good siting and watering. For a specific plant or an active problem, consult a certified arborist or CSU Extension.
