Crataegus viridis tree

Crataegus viridis leaves

Crataegus virdis ‘Winter King’
green hawthorn

Scientific Name
Crataegus virdis ‘Winter King’
Common Name
Green hawthorn

NATIVE RANGE AND HABITAT
Green hawthorn’s native range is native to Maryland and Virginia to Illinois, Iowa, Texas and Florida. It occurs infrequently in the Mississippi Embayment and Interior Low Plateaus provinces in Kentucky.

CONSERVATION INFORMATION
Green hawthorn is native to Kentucky. It is not ranked as a plant of conservation concern by the Kentucky State Nature Preserves Commission.

DESCRIPTION
Growth Habit and Form
Green hawthorn is a rounded, sharply thorny, spreading, dense tree growing 20 to 30 feet in height with a similar spread. ‘Winter King’ has a rounded habit, almost vase-shaped branching structure and distinct silver gray branches. Trees mature around 20 to 25 feet in height with a greater spread. Unlike other hawthorns, the thorns are small and inconspicuous. The short thorns are usually not a problem, even on trees planted near streets. Trees cast dense shade.
Leaves
Leaves are oblong-ovate to elliptic, toothed, and ¾ to 2 ¼ inches long. The dark green, deciduous leaves turn beautiful shades of bronze, red, and gold in the fall before dropping.
Flowers
White, ¾ inch diameter flowers are borne in flat clusters that are 2 inches across.
Fruit
Fruit of ‘Winter King’ are larger than the species form. They are ½ inch in diameter and orange-red. Fruit are showy and persist on the naked tree throughout the winter, adding to its landscape interest.
Bark
The handsome, silver-grey bark peels off in sections to reveal the inner orange bark, making ‘Winter King’ green hawthorn a striking specimen planting in the winter landscape.
Wild and Cultivated Varieties
‘Winter King’ is a cultivated variety of green hawthorn. The tree was originally selected for the outstanding winter berry color. The original tree from which the cultivar was selected is about 100 years old and 25 feet in height.

HORTICULTURE
Landscape Use
‘Winter King’ green hawthorn’s moderate size makes it suitable for small properties and limited spaces. It is very dense and thorny which makes it a popular choice for use as a hedge or as a screen. ‘Winter King’ can also be used as a specimen in the garden. It is among the best of the many Hawthorns that are available, receiving the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society’s 1992 Styer Gold Medal Award.
Hardiness Zone
Hardy in USDA Zones 4 to 7.
Growth Rate
Moderately slow
Cultivation and Propagation Information
Transplant in the spring for best establishment. ‘Winter King’ is fairly adaptable to different soils, although it prefers loam and full sun. It is tolerant of city conditions. Propagation is by grafting.
Diseases and Insects
‘Winter King’ is more trouble-free than many hawthorns. Problem pests are aphids, borers, caterpillars, and leaf miners. It is susceptible to cedar-hawthorn rust but is more resistant than the species.
Wildlife Considerations
‘Winter King’ green hawthorn trees provide homes, shelter and food for wildlife.
Maintenance Practices
Relatively trouble-free.

TRADITIONAL AND MODERN USES
’Winter King’ green hawthorn was introduced into cultivation in 1827. The tree was originally selected for the outstanding winter berry color. The original tree from which the cultivar was selected is about 100 years old and 25 feet in height.