Green Hawthorn
Crataegus viridis
Green Hawthorn (Crataegus viridis) is a tree suited to the Colorado Front Range, rated "Recommended" on the 2024 Front Range Tree Recommendation List. It matures to about 20–30 ft tall and 20–30 ft wide, needs low to medium water, and prefers full sun to partial shade. Preferred Hawthorn for CO.
low to medium water20–30 ft tall and 20–30 ft wideXeric / water-wiseDeer-resistant
Photos
- Photo 1: Scott Zona
- Photo 2: (c) Francis Groeters, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA)
- Photo 3: "Crataegus viridis glabriuscula" by Sam Kieschnick is licensed under CC BY 4.0. To view a copy of this license, visit http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/.
- Photo 4: "Crataegus viridis glabriuscula" by Sam Kieschnick is licensed under CC BY 4.0. To view a copy of this license, visit http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/.
- Photo 5: "Crataegus viridis glabriuscula" by Sam Kieschnick is licensed under CC BY 4.0. To view a copy of this license, visit http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/.
- Photo 6: "Crataegus viridis glabriuscula" by Sam Kieschnick is licensed under CC BY 4.0. To view a copy of this license, visit http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/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
- Tolerates
- Hellstrips / parking strips
How big, what shape?
- Mature size
- 20–30 ft tall and 20–30 ft wide
- Mature form
- Rounded
- Spacing / clearance
- ~30 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
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 Green Hawthorn good for the Colorado Front Range?
- Yes, Green Hawthorn is a well-suited tree for Colorado's Front Range, rated "Recommended" on the 2024 Front Range Tree Recommendation List.
- How big does Green Hawthorn get?
- It matures to about 20–30 ft tall and 20–30 ft wide.
- How much room does Green Hawthorn need?
- Give Green Hawthorn about 30 ft of clearance from buildings, fences, and other trees so the mature canopy isn't crowded.
- What shape does Green Hawthorn grow into?
- Green 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 Green Hawthorn hardy on the Front Range?
- Green 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 Green Hawthorn need?
- It needs low to medium water once established.
- How fast does Green Hawthorn grow?
- Green Hawthorn is a moderate-growing tree. Growth rate depends on water and site conditions on the Front Range.
- How long does Green Hawthorn live?
- Green Hawthorn has a moderate lifespan for a Front Range tree. Actual lifespan varies with site, water, and care.
- What color does Green Hawthorn turn in fall?
- Green Hawthorn turns orange and red in autumn. Fall color intensity varies with the season and site on the Front Range.
- Is Green Hawthorn native to Colorado?
- No. It is not a Colorado native, but it grows well on the Front Range.
- Is Green Hawthorn deer-resistant?
- Green Hawthorn is generally considered deer-resistant, though no plant is deer-proof when browse pressure is high.
- Is Green Hawthorn prone to pests or disease on the Front Range?
- Green 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.
