Downy Hawthorn

This is the most common hawthorn in growing wild in the Chicago, IL area. It has soft, velvety leaves that often get the orange spots of ...Read MoreCedar Rust Disease. It bears large dull red fruit in late summer and early fall, eaten by birds and small mammals. It has some significant thorns. Like most hawthorns it grows about 1 ft/yr and lives about 75 to 100 years. Some native plant nurseries may sell this plant.

The bark on the young tree is smooth, gray, and reflective. Since there are some red cedars a few hundred yards away most of the leaves...Read More are stricken with rust (some years worse than others) and the leaves that aren't afflicted are devoured. I've read that gypsy moths prefer this tree's leaves.

Where there are no cedars close by the tree is striking with its foliage and bark, and in fall its scarlet fruits. I have not witnessed any outstanding fall color contrary to others' experience. My positive rating is based on its branching form (when leafless), its colorful fruits, and its overall benefit of being a host to so many species.

This tree grows in sun to partial shade. It tolerates many soil conditions. It can reach a height of 30'. Autumn foliage is reddish/br...Read Moreonze to yellow. Fruits are lovely and dark red.

I planted the seeds of this 2 years ago in the fall, they germinated this spring. I also transplanted a young tree, but they have a deep...Read More tap root, so this is difficult. I have seen adult trees, and they are beatiful, strong, and especially interesting form in the winter.