by Cathie Lea

Created on: November 23, 2007   Last Updated: April 25, 2011

Winter King Hawthorn

A new season approaches. The reds and yellows of maples have fallen. Ginkgo's golden leaves have carpeted the ground. And now the purples of the pears are making their way out. Our gardens are easing into their winter simplicity.  But this doesn't mean we go to sleep. As the last traces of autumn colors fall from the trees, our attention shifts in the garden to textures, shapes and berries.

Garden attributes such as interesting textures and branch systems are overshadowed by fall colors. But as autumn winds down and winter nears, suddenly these attributes take on great importance.

Berries linger in oranges, reds, blues and blacks, drawing our attention, and providing winter food for the birds. Bark textures and colors that lie hidden in summer's foliage suddenly shine with glory, claiming the attention they deserve. It is time to take note of all the hidden attributes of the winter garden.

Many trees offer winter colors and textures, but perhaps none so lovely as Crataegus viridis, or Winter King Hawthorn. Popular for its orange-red berries that hold throughout the winter, or until they are eaten by birds, this tree has much to offer. Its exfoliating bark adds much to the landscape, as well.

FEATURES:

Winter King Hawthorn is probably most noted for its winter berries. But equally as beautiful are its spring blossoms, glossy green leaves and interesting exfoliating bark.

Spring brings delicate white blossoms to this tree. Its fine branch system is dotted with lovely clusters of white blossoms, creating quite a show. The blossoms are followed by small but lovely deep green, glossy leaves, with delicate serrated edges. The blooms are followed by clusters of berries, which turn orange to red in the autumn, and persist well into winter. Not only are these berries attractive, they are an important food source for birds.

The fall color of the Winter King Hawthorn is not as outstanding as with many other trees. It generally falls into the yellow to rust range. But the brilliant berries that follow more than make up for lack of bright autumn hues.

Hidden deep within the branch system are small thorns, which generally do not tend to be a problem for the gardener. If these thorns do become a nuisance, the lower branches of the tree can be trimmed up so as not to interfere with the gardener's space.

The bark of this Hawthorn is quite a handsome silver-gray, exfoliating during the growing season to expose shades of orange

• 1
• 2
• Next Page >>