Shrub
Russian Hawthorn
Crataegus ambigua
A small, gnarled tree-like shrub with spring blossoms and red fruit for birds.
- Pollinator
- Plant Select®
Quick facts
- Hardiness
- USDA zones 4–9
- Water
- Low once established
- Sun
- Full sun
- Size
- 16–20 ft tall × 12–16 ft wide
- Bloom & interest
- White flower clusters in late spring; glossy red fruit in late summer and fall; gnarled winter silhouette
- Plant type
- Shrub
- Native range
- Not native to the US (non-invasive garden plant)
- Plant Select
- Plant Select® recommended plant
Why we recommend it
A Plant Select winner (2011): a large shrub or small tree with four seasons of interest that tolerates drought, wind and alkaline soil better than most flowering trees.
Best regions: Front RangeGreat BasinHigh Desert
How to grow it
Watering to establish
Deep-water every 1–2 weeks the first two summers; established plants need a deep soak only in extended drought.
Pruning
Prune in late winter to choose a single trunk or a multi-stem form; wear gloves (it has thorns).
Soil
Adaptable to clay, sandy and alkaline soil.
Pairs well with
Read more
We haven't written about Russian Hawthorn in depth yet. Browse all plant guides.
Where to buy
Shop Russian Hawthorn from trusted growers. For the best selection of xeric plants, try a mail-order specialist or ask a local independent nursery.
- High Country Gardens (opens in a new tab)Xeric specialist
- Nature Hills Nursery (opens in a new tab)Wide selection
- American Meadows (opens in a new tab)Perennials & seeds
- Etsy (opens in a new tab)Small growers
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