Washington Hawthorn
Crataegus phaenopyrum
Educational content — not medical, botanical, or professional advice. Always consult a qualified clinician before using any herbal preparation — especially during pregnancy, breastfeeding, while on medication, or for children. How we source & review →
Pl. D6B9 — Crataegus phaenopyrum
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IOverview
Overview
Washington Hawthorn (Crataegus phaenopyrum) is a deciduous shrub or small tree native to the eastern United States and Ontario. It thrives in moist to wet soils and prefers partial sun to full sun exposure. This hardy plant can grow up to 10 meters tall and is known for its edible fruit, which are often used in jams and jellies. Native to states like Alabama, Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, and parts of Ontario, Washington Hawthorn is valued not only for its ornamental appeal but also for its culinary uses. One distinctive feature is its light green leaves that turn a vibrant red in autumn, adding color to the landscape.
Quick answers
What is Washington Hawthorn?
Washington Hawthorn (Crataegus phaenopyrum) is a deciduous shrub or small tree native to the eastern United States and Ontario. It thrives in moist to wet soils and prefers partial sun to full sun exposure.
What is Washington Hawthorn used for?
Traditionally used for immune support. Each claim is evidence-rated — see Section II for full citations.
Best for
Top 1 evidence-ranked use of Washington Hawthorn
Clinicaluses · safety · chemistry · dosagemedicinal profile
IIBenefits & evidence
1 claim · 0 sources
Benefits & evidence
1 claim · 0 sources- Traditional-use note: Washington Hawthorn appears in herbal sources around seasonal wellness traditions, often as a traditional preparation. PlantSage presents this as ethnobotanical context, not as medical advice.
Traditional context only. This reviewed claim keeps the original low confidence level, but avoids treatment, disease, dosage, or guaranteed-effect language.
IV·bMixology suggestions
1 draft
Mixology suggestions
1 draftEditorial drafts. These pairings are AI-suggested from traditional herbal lore. Always verify with a qualified herbalist before brewing.
Washington Hawthorn support blend
generaltea
AI returned a direct ingredient list; normalized into one draft blend for editorial review.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Washington Hawthorn thrives in full to partial sun and prefers moist to wet soil that is light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It is hardy in zones 4-8 and can grow up to 10 meters tall. For propagation, use seeds or cuttings. Ensure the plant has adequate moisture, especially during dry periods, as it requires consistent watering. This hawthorn is native to several southeastern states and is known for its edible fruit.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade
Water
Moist, Wet
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
4-8
Mature size
10.0 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Washington Hawthorn for the first time
8steps
Start with planting Washington Hawthorn in a sunny spot and follow these beginner-friendly steps.
- 1
What you'll need
A young Washington Hawthorn sapling, garden gloves, a spade or trowel.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in early spring before new growth starts or in fall after leaves have dropped.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Choose a location with well-draining soil that's light, medium, or heavy. Ensure the area gets full sun to partial shade.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Dig a hole twice as wide but not deeper than the root ball. Place the sapling and fill around it gently.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly, keeping soil moist but not waterlogged. Monitor for pests and diseases.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water deeply once a week during dry spells. Prune in late winter to maintain shape and remove dead branches.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune annually in late winter to encourage healthy growth and remove any damaged or diseased branches.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting too deep, neglecting regular pruning, using harsh chemicals, and not providing enough sunlight.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Fruit
Edible uses: The Washington Hawthorn's fruit is edible and can be eaten raw or used in various preparations such as jams, jellies, and teas. The fruit is typically harvested when ripe and can also be dried for later use.
Other uses:EspalierFragrance
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
22 native · 1 introduced
Distribution
22 native · 1 introducedDistribution across1 continent· 22 native· 1 introduced
Asia1 region
native (1)Georgia
Broader regions
native:Illinois, Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Mississippi, Montana, North Carolina, Ohio, Ontario, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, Washington, Alabama, West Virginia
introduced:New York
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXSee also
8 related
See also
8 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family, common use cases, and growing requirements.
shared use cases
Different families, similar therapeutic role — good for comparing.
XI
Explore further
Companion planting
Compare with similar plants
Growing zone
XII
About this entry
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