Tree of the Week: Hawthorn ‘Winter King’ Crataegus viridis
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It is tolerant of all things urban such as heat, drought, compaction, severe storms, and just bad sites in general. Many varieties of hawthorn are susceptible to several diseases but this one has improved rust resistance for the foliage. ‘Winter King’ has better overall shape, fruits are better, more reliable, and provides winter interest.
The crown broadly vase-shaped or rounded. Foliage gives a somewhat fine texture from one- to four-inch glossy, dark green leaves that turn bronze, red, and gold in the winter. Flowers are wonderful small clusters of white flowers similar to ornamental cherries. The bark and fruit are what gives this tree its name. Silver-gray bark exfoliates with age showing off grays, greens, and browns. Tiny red fruits are all over the tree well through winter.
This tree does have some thorns so keep it away from walkways. It should be trimmed for clearance and deadwood as it grows then it presents no problems. When watering it’s important to keep the foliage dry to reduce chance of rust. Remember to water the roots not the tree. Purchase this tree with one main stem and let the upper canopy branch out for the vase shape. Plant in full sun anywhere but looks best in front of evergreens or as a specimen in or behind a garden area.
Call the Dept. of Urban Forestry at 474-TREE for more info.