2004-005 | Arboretum

Kansas Hawthorne

Catalogue A# 2004-005 H9

GPS 45D 43' 58" N / 108D 37' 20" W

Crataegus coccinoides

Family: Rosaceae

Origin: Native to Kansas,Arkansas,Missouri,Illinois

Common name: Kansas Hawthorne

Location: West lawn of Homestead house

Number in accession: 1

Note: Long thorns compared to other Hawthorns

This 6 inch Hawthorn provides overall benefits of: $21 every year.

Tree or Plant Type: Tree
       Foliage: Deciduous (seasonally loses leaves)
       Native Locale: Non-native
       Landscape Uses: Hedge, Specimen
       Size Range: Medium tree (25-40 feet), Small tree (15-25 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, Zone 6, Zone 7
       Soil Preference: Acid soil, Moist, well-drained soil
       Acid Soils: Prefers
       Alkaline Soils: Tolerant
       Salt Spray: Intolerant
       Soil Salt: Intolerant
       Drought Conditions: Tolerant
       Poor Drainage: Intolerant
       Planting Considerations: Aggressive, Dangerous thorns, May be difficult to find in nurseries
       Ornamental Interest: Spring blossoms, Showy flowers
       Season of Interest: Mid spring, Late spring
       Flower Color & Fragrance: Fragrant, White
       Shape or Form: Round
       Growth Rate: Moderate
       Transplants Well: No
       Wildlife: Migrant bird

CRITIQUE

Kansas hawthorn is a small tree (usually up to 20 feet/7 m tall) that prefers dry hillsides, usually on limestone bedrock. As such, in New England, it is primarily found in the western hills of Vermont, Massachusetts, and Connecticut (though other populations occur elsewhere). In the heart of its range (Kansas and the midwest), it is planted as a city tree because of its tolerance to pollution, its red fall foliage, and its brilliant red fruits.