The Washington Hawthorn (Crataegus phaenopyrum), also known as Mayflower Hawthorn, is a hardy and beautiful deciduous tree or shrub known for its stunning white spring flowers, vibrant red berries, and unique ornamental appeal. Native to North America, this versatile plant is commonly used for landscaping, providing year-round beauty and offering a variety of benefits. In addition to its ornamental uses, the Washington Hawthorn produces small edible fruit that can be enjoyed raw, made into preserves, or used for medicinal purposes. With 50 seeds, you can cultivate your own Washington Hawthorn and enjoy its ornamental charm, edible berries, and wildlife-friendly benefits.

Key Features:

• Edible Fruit: Washington Hawthorn produces small red berries in late summer that are edible and have a tart, slightly sweet flavor. These berries can be eaten fresh, used in preserves, or dried for future use.
• Ornamental Beauty: The tree features delicate white flowers in spring, which bloom in clusters, followed by vibrant red fruit that persists into winter. The foliage turns yellow or orange in the fall, adding further visual appeal.
• Wildlife-Friendly: The berries attract birds, while the flowers are a source of nectar for bees and other pollinators, making it an excellent addition to wildlife gardens.
• Hardy and Resilient: Washington Hawthorn is well-suited to a range of climates, thriving in USDA Zones 4-7. It is cold-tolerant and adaptable to various soil types.
• Low Maintenance: This tree is relatively low maintenance, requiring minimal care once established, and is resistant to most pests and diseases.
• Medicinal Uses: The fruit and flowers of the Washington Hawthorn have been used in traditional medicine for their potential heart health benefits, particularly for improving circulation and supporting cardiovascular function.

Growing Information:

Light:
Washington Hawthorn prefers full sun to partial shade. For the best growth and flower production, plant it in a location that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily.

Soil:
This tree is adaptable to various soil types, including loamy, sandy, and clay soils, as long as the soil is well-drained. It thrives in soils with a pH of 6.0 to 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral). Ensure the soil is not too soggy, as poor drainage can lead to root rot.

Planting Tips:
To grow from seed, scarify the seeds (lightly nicking or sanding them) or cold stratify them for several weeks to break dormancy. Soak the seeds in water for 24 hours before planting. After the cold stratification process, plant the seeds in a well-draining seed-starting mix about 1/4 inch deep. Keep the soil moist, and provide warmth and light for germination. Expect germination to take 2-4 weeks. Once seedlings are large enough to handle, transplant them into pots or directly into the ground.

Watering:
Water regularly during the first few years to help establish the root system. Once established, the Washington Hawthorn is relatively drought-tolerant but benefits from occasional watering during dry spells. Avoid overwatering, as it can lead to root rot.

Temperature:
Washington Hawthorn is hardy in USDA Zones 4-7 and can tolerate cold temperatures, including frost. It thrives in climates with cold winters and warm summers, making it ideal for temperate regions.

Benefits:

• Edible Berries: The small red fruit produced by the Washington Hawthorn is not only attractive but also edible. These berries are often used to make jams, jellies, syrups, and preserves. The fruit has medicinal properties and has been used in traditional remedies to support heart health and circulation.
• Ornamental Tree: This tree is valued for its stunning white flowers in the spring, vibrant red berries in summer and fall, and colorful autumn foliage. It makes a beautiful addition to gardens, landscapes, and hedges.
• Wildlife Habitat: The flowers attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies, while the berries provide food for birds and small mammals, making it a fantastic choice for wildlife-friendly gardens.
• Low Maintenance: Once established, Washington Hawthorn is easy to care for and resistant to most pests and diseases, making it an excellent choice for low-maintenance gardening.
• Medicinal Uses: Hawthorn berries and flowers have been used in traditional medicine for their potential heart health benefits, such as improving circulation and lowering blood pressure.

Growing Zones:
Washington Hawthorn is suitable for USDA Zones 4-7. It is perfect for regions with cold winters and moderate summers, thriving in temperate climates.

How to Use in the Garden:

• Ornamental Landscaping: Plant the Washington Hawthorn in your garden for its striking spring flowers, vibrant berries, and beautiful fall foliage. It can be used as a specimen tree, in borders, or as part of a hedgerow.
• Wildlife Gardens: Incorporate this tree into a wildlife-friendly garden to attract pollinators, birds, and beneficial insects. The berries will provide food for local wildlife throughout the winter months.
• Edible Gardens: Grow the Washington Hawthorn as part of an edible landscape. Use the berries to make jams, jellies, or syrups, or simply enjoy them fresh off the tree.
• Hedges and Screens: Washington Hawthorn makes an excellent choice for creating natural hedges or privacy screens, thanks to its dense growth habit and thorny branches that act as a deterrent to intruders.

Conclusion:
The Washington Hawthorn (Crataegus phaenopyrum) is a versatile and beautiful tree that adds both aesthetic and practical value to your garden. With its stunning spring flowers, vibrant red berries, and wildlife-friendly characteristics, it is a fantastic choice for ornamental, edible, or wildlife gardens. The fruit of the Washington Hawthorn can be used in a variety of culinary applications, while also offering potential medicinal benefits. Hardy and low-maintenance, this tree is an excellent addition to landscapes in colder climates. With 50 seeds, you can grow your own Washington Hawthorn and enjoy its beauty, fruit, and benefits for years to come.