Downy Hawthorn
Crataegus mollis
Downy Hawthorn (Crataegus mollis) is a tree suited to the Colorado Front Range, rated "Recommended for Most Sites" on the 2024 Front Range Tree Recommendation List. It matures to about 25–30 ft tall and 20–25 ft wide, needs low to medium water, and prefers full sun to partial shade. Rust.
low to medium water25–30 ft tall and 20–25 ft wideXeric / water-wiseDeer-resistant
Photos
- Photo 1: (c) Cecil Smith, some rights reserved (CC BY)
- Photo 2: "Crataegus mollis kz01" by Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/.
- Photo 3: "Crataegus mollis Głóg miękki 2021-04-05 01" by Agnieszka Kwiecień, Nova is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/.
- Photo 4: (c) Cecil Smith, some rights reserved (CC BY)
- Photo 5: (c) Summit Metro Parks, some rights reserved (CC BY)
- Photo 6: "Crataegus mollis kz03" by Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/.
At a glance
Will it survive here?
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 4–8
- Water needs
- low to medium water
- Sun
- Best in full sun; tolerates partial shade.
- Soil
- clay, loam, sandy
- Soil pH
- 6.0–8.2
- Hail tolerance
- moderate
- Wind tolerance
- moderate
- Salt tolerance
- moderate
How big, what shape?
- Mature size
- 25–30 ft tall and 20–25 ft wide
- Mature form
- Rounded
- Spacing / clearance
- ~25 ft of clearance
- Growth rate
- Moderate
- Lifespan
- Medium
What it looks like, and when
- Bloom time
- mid spring, late spring
- Bloom color
- white
- Fall color
- Orange, red
- Foliage
- Deciduous
Who else benefits
- Pollinator value
- high
- Deer
- Generally deer-resistant
- Colorado native
- No
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.
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 Downy Hawthorn good for the Colorado Front Range?
- Yes, Downy Hawthorn is a well-suited tree for Colorado's Front Range, rated "Recommended for Most Sites" on the 2024 Front Range Tree Recommendation List.
- How big does Downy Hawthorn get?
- It matures to about 25–30 ft tall and 20–25 ft wide.
- How much room does Downy Hawthorn need?
- Give Downy Hawthorn about 25 ft of clearance from buildings, fences, and other trees so the mature canopy isn't crowded.
- What shape does Downy Hawthorn grow into?
- Downy 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 Downy Hawthorn hardy on the Front Range?
- Downy 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 Downy Hawthorn need?
- It needs low to medium water once established.
- How fast does Downy Hawthorn grow?
- Downy Hawthorn is a moderate-growing tree. Growth rate depends on water and site conditions on the Front Range.
- How long does Downy Hawthorn live?
- Downy Hawthorn has a moderate lifespan for a Front Range tree. Actual lifespan varies with site, water, and care.
- What color does Downy Hawthorn turn in fall?
- Downy Hawthorn turns orange and red in autumn. Fall color intensity varies with the season and site on the Front Range.
- Is Downy Hawthorn native to Colorado?
- No. It is not a Colorado native, but it grows well on the Front Range.
- Is Downy Hawthorn deer-resistant?
- Downy Hawthorn is generally considered deer-resistant, though no plant is deer-proof when browse pressure is high.
- Is Downy Hawthorn prone to pests or disease on the Front Range?
- Downy 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.
