Chinese Hawthorn Tree

A highly ornamental hawthorn from northern China, Crataegus chinensis syn.pinnatifida is a small to medium-sized, thorny, deciduous tree with strongly cut leaves which turn a rich red in autumn – one of the best for autumn colour. Small white flowers with pink anthers appear in spring. The fruits are like crab apples, bright red and tart, and almost 1”/2.5cm across; they are edible, and are used to make snack foods, jams and wines in China, where they are also used as a digestive aid in traditional Chinese medicine. Can also be used for hedging.

Site: Tolerates exposure
Soil: Any reasonably well-drained soil
Position: Full sun or partial shade
Season of Interest: Spring, summer, autumn, winter
Hardiness: Hardy
Height: 20ft (6m) Spread: 20ft (6m)