Amelanchier Hawthorn Plant Care

Crataegus amelanchier (L.) Desf.

Updated · Sources · How we source care data

This plant is known for its striking dark green leaves that have serrated edges, giving it a unique and attractive appearance. Originating from North America, the Crataegus amelanchier is highly sought after by plant collectors for its beautiful foliage and delicate white flowers that bloom in spring.

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Water

Every 7–14 days

Light

Full sun to partial shade

Temp

50–100°F

Humidity

40–70%

At a glance

How do you care for Amelanchier Hawthorn?

Plant Amelanchier Hawthorn in full sun to partial shade (USDA zones 5a–8b) and water a young tree every 7–14 days until it is established. It tolerates temperatures of 50–100°F (10–38°C). Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.

Where Is the Amelanchier Hawthorn Native To?

Native range41 countries

What Is the Amelanchier Hawthorn?

Amelanchier Hawthorn (Crataegus amelanchier) belongs to the Rosaceae family within the Crataegus genus. Amelanchier Hawthorn is native to central and southern Europe, as well as North Africa and the Middle East.

Amelanchier Hawthorn displays a small to medium-sized deciduous tree growth habit, reaching up to 30 ft tall with a spread of approximately 25 ft. Amelanchier Hawthorn produces clusters of white or pink blossoms.

Leaf size: approximately 3 inches.

How Often Should You Water a Amelanchier Hawthorn?

Water a young or newly planted Amelanchier Hawthorn every 7–14 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established trees mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Watering Frequency

Every 7–14 days

Until established; then in dry spells

What Light Does the Amelanchier Hawthorn Need?

Amelanchier Hawthorn thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Light Requirement

Full sun to partial shade

What Temperature and Humidity Does the Amelanchier Hawthorn Prefer?

Crataegus amelanchier tolerates temperatures of 50–100°F. Amelanchier Hawthorn prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Temperature

50–100°F

Humidity

40–70%

What Soil Mix Works Best for a Amelanchier Hawthorn?

Well-draining loamy soil with added compost for nutrients. Good drainage is essential for Amelanchier Hawthorn to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

How Often Should You Fertilize a Amelanchier Hawthorn?

Feed Amelanchier Hawthorn every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established trees in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

Fertilizing

Every 6 months

During the growing season

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Where Should You Plant a Amelanchier Hawthorn?

Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade and well-draining loamy soil with added compost for nutrients. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Amelanchier Hawthorn is suited to USDA Zone 5a – 8b.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped trees in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

How Far Apart Should You Plant a Amelanchier Hawthorn?

Amelanchier Hawthorn can spread to about 25 ft (7.6 m) and reach about 30 ft (9 m) tall. Space plants about 25 ft (7.6 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the tree spacing calculator.

How Do You Prune a Amelanchier Hawthorn?

Prune Amelanchier Hawthorn while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the tree in one year.

How Do You Care for a Amelanchier Hawthorn in Winter?

Amelanchier Hawthorn is hardy down to USDA zone 5a, so once established it can stay outdoors through winter in that zone and warmer ones.

Water deeply in late autumn before the ground freezes, and spread a 5–8 cm (2–3 in) layer of mulch over the root zone, keeping it away from the trunk.

Young and container-grown trees need extra protection: roots in a pot freeze much more easily than roots in the ground.

How Do You Propagate a Amelanchier Hawthorn?

Amelanchier Hawthorn can be propagated through seeds, hardwood cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to azarole plant care, which shares the same genus.

Is the Amelanchier Hawthorn Toxic to Pets and Children?

Pet safety not verified

The ASPCA does not list Amelanchier Hawthorn, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.

This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

What Pests and Diseases Affect the Amelanchier Hawthorn?

Amelanchier Hawthorn is susceptible to aphids, caterpillars, scale insects. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Amelanchier Hawthorn Need?

Amelanchier Hawthorn grows outdoors in USDA Zone 5a – 8b. It survives winters down to planting zone 5a. Amelanchier Hawthorn is native to central and southern Europe, as well as North Africa and the Middle East.

Hardiness Zone

Zone 5a – 8b

Keep exploring plants

Amelanchier Hawthorn is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.

It belongs to the Crataegus genus — compare its care with other Crataegus species on PlantoScan.

Crataegus is part of the Rosaceae plant family — browse all Rosaceae genera and species.

Amelanchier Hawthorn thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.

More Crataegus Species

Other Crataegus species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:

Sources

  • Scientific name & taxonomy: Crataegus amelanchier (L.) Desf., family Rosaceae (first published in Hist. Arbr. France 1: 149. 1809) — World Flora Online record.
  • Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Amelanchier Hawthorn, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
  • Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 5a – 8b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
  • Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.

Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.

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