Crataegus polyacantha Plant Care
Crataegus polyacantha Jan ex Nyman
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Crataegus monogyna, known as common hawthorn, whitethorn, one-seed hawthorn, or single-seeded hawthorn, is a species of flowering plant in the rose family, Rosaceae. It grows to about 10 metres tall, producing hermaphrodite flowers in late spring.
Every 7–14 days
Full sun to partial shade
0–100°F
40–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Crataegus polyacantha?
Plant Crataegus polyacantha in full sun to partial shade and water a young tree every 7–14 days until it is established. It tolerates temperatures of 0–100°F (-18–38°C). Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
What Is the Crataegus polyacantha?
Crataegus polyacantha (Crataegus polyacantha) belongs to the Rosaceae family within the Crataegus genus.
Crataegus polyacantha displays a small to medium-sized deciduous tree growth habit, reaching up to 30 ft tall with a spread of approximately 25 ft. Crataegus polyacantha produces clusters of white or pink blossoms.
Leaf size: approximately 3 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Crataegus polyacantha?
Water a young or newly planted Crataegus polyacantha 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 Crataegus polyacantha Need?
Crataegus polyacantha thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Crataegus polyacantha Prefer?
Crataegus polyacantha tolerates temperatures of 0–100°F. Crataegus polyacantha prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.
Temperature
0–100°F
Humidity
40–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Crataegus polyacantha?
Well-draining loamy soil with added compost for nutrients. Good drainage is essential for Crataegus polyacantha to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Crataegus polyacantha?
Feed Crataegus polyacantha 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 Crataegus polyacantha?
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.
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 Crataegus polyacantha?
Crataegus polyacantha 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 Crataegus polyacantha?
Prune Crataegus polyacantha 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 Crataegus polyacantha in Winter?
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 Crataegus polyacantha?
Crataegus polyacantha can be propagated through seeds, hardwood cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to azarole plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Crataegus polyacantha Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Crataegus polyacantha, 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 Crataegus polyacantha?
Crataegus polyacantha 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.
Keep exploring plants
Crataegus polyacantha 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.
Crataegus polyacantha 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 polyacantha Jan ex Nyman, family Rosaceae (first published in Elench. Pl. : 8 (1831)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Crataegus polyacantha, 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.
- 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.
Identify Plants Like the
Crataegus polyacantha Instantly
Scan any plant with your phone camera and get instant ID, care tips, water and fertilizer reminders, and health checks — all in one app.
Free
to download
iOS & Android
platforms
Light & dark
mode
100,000+
species