Hawthorns are some of our most ornamental native trees. Their springtime profusions of white blossoms yield bright-colored fruits, or “haws,”  that are often eaten through winter by birds and small mammals when other food sources are in short supply. At 10 to 26 feet, bigfruit hawthorn can be left as a large, multi-stemmed shrub or pruned into the shape of a small tree. Like other native hawthorn species, this one will spread to form dense colonies, if allowed. It  thrives in open areas or light woodlands with moist, loamy soils, but it’s very adaptable to sandy or clay soils and to occasionally wet conditions or drought. The amount and quality of fruit production is significantly better in full sun. This species’ cold-hardy flowers bloom early and unabashedly with a fetid odor that attracts midges, the primary pollinators. 
 
Native habitats include thickets and open woods, edges of forests, pastures, and fencerows. 
 
Plant Characteristics:
Grows 10-26’ tall and wide.
 
Grows in full or part sun. Full sun results in better fruit yield.
 
Prefers well-drained, moist soils but adapts to sandy, clay, occasionally wet, chalky, or heavy clay soils once established. Tolerates drought. 
 
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