Washington Hawthorn
Crataegus phaenopyrum
Washington Hawthorn (Crataegus phaenopyrum) is a tree suited to the Colorado Front Range, rated "Recommended" on the 2024 Front Range Tree Recommendation List. It matures to about 25–30 ft tall and 20–25 ft wide, needs medium water, and prefers full sun to partial shade. Fireblight susceptibility, choose disease-resistant cultivars.
medium water25–30 ft tall and 20–25 ft wideDeer-resistant
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At a glance
- Rating
- Recommended
- Botanical name
- Crataegus phaenopyrum
- Variety / cultivar
- Washington
- Type
- Tree
- Mature size
- 25–30 ft tall and 20–25 ft wide
- Mature form
- Rounded
- Spacing / clearance
- ~25 ft of clearance
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 4–8
- Growth rate
- Moderate
- Lifespan
- Medium
- Fall color
- Orange, red
- Water needs
- medium 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
- high
- Firewise (defensible space)
- Zones 1–3 (can be planted near the house)
- Bloom color
- white
- Bloom time
- mid spring, late spring
- Pollinator value
- high
- Tolerates
- Hellstrips / parking strips
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.
Frequently asked questions
- Is Washington Hawthorn good for the Colorado Front Range?
- Yes, Washington Hawthorn is a well-suited tree for Colorado's Front Range, rated "Recommended" on the 2024 Front Range Tree Recommendation List.
- How big does Washington Hawthorn get?
- It matures to about 25–30 ft tall and 20–25 ft wide.
- How much room does Washington Hawthorn need?
- Give Washington Hawthorn about 25 ft of clearance from buildings, fences, and other trees so the mature canopy isn't crowded.
- What shape does Washington Hawthorn grow into?
- Washington 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 Washington Hawthorn hardy on the Front Range?
- Washington 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 Washington Hawthorn need?
- It needs medium water once established.
- How fast does Washington Hawthorn grow?
- Washington Hawthorn is a moderate-growing tree. Growth rate depends on water and site conditions on the Front Range.
- How long does Washington Hawthorn live?
- Washington Hawthorn has a moderate lifespan for a Front Range tree. Actual lifespan varies with site, water, and care.
- What color does Washington Hawthorn turn in fall?
- Washington Hawthorn turns orange and red in autumn. Fall color intensity varies with the season and site on the Front Range.
- Is Washington Hawthorn native to Colorado?
- No. It is not a Colorado native, but it grows well on the Front Range.
- Is Washington Hawthorn deer-resistant?
- Washington Hawthorn is generally considered deer-resistant, though no plant is deer-proof when browse pressure is high.
- Is Washington Hawthorn a good firewise plant near the house?
- Washington Hawthorn is a lower-fuel choice suitable in defensible-space zones 1–3, it can be planted near the house when kept well irrigated and maintained. This is general suitability guidance based on CSU Extension firewise plant lists, not a guarantee that any plant won't burn, a well-irrigated, well-maintained plant is the goal. Follow CSU Extension defensible-space guidance and check with your local fire district before planting in the wildland-urban interface.
- Is Washington Hawthorn prone to pests or disease on the Front Range?
- Washington 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.
