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Woody > Crataegus > Crataegus viridis > Crataegus viridis 'Winter King'

Crataegus viridis

'Winter King'


Winter King Green Hawthorn




Origin:  The Green Hawthorn is found in the Eastern and Southern United States of America, distributed from Virginia to Texas and from Florida to Illinois. The cultivar, ‘Winter King’, was introduced in 1955 by the Simpson Nursery Co. located in Vincennes, Indiana, United States of America.
            Mike's Opinion

this is Mike

"

A beautiful tree I have grown to admire. When in bloom, it is a rather showy specimen with clusters of white flowers. In autumn, the flowers disappear to show off its stunning red fruits. The bark exfoliates to show a variety of colour and texture which creates even more interest, particularly in winter. All around a breathtaking tree with year-round beauty.



Michael Pascoe, NDP., ODH., CLT., MSc. (Plant Conservation)

"

Family
Rosaceae
Genus
Crataegus
Species
viridis
Cultivar
'Winter King'
Category
Woody
Type
Tree (evergreen)
USDA Hardiness Zone
4 - 7
Canadian Hardiness Zone
2a - 6a
RHS Hardiness Zone
H5 - H7
Temperature (°C)
(-32) - (-12)
Temperature (°F)
(-30) - 10
Height
7 - 10 m
Spread
7 - 10 m
Photographs
Description and Growing Information
Flowering Period
May
General Description
Small, vase-shaped tree with dark green leaves, and clusters of white flowers that bloom in late spring. Red/orange fruit and exfoliating, colourful bark provides winter interest once the flowers have died off.
Landscape
It is pollution-tolerant, thus suitable for use as a specimen tree, screen, or hedge in urban landscapes. Can also be used in mass-planting.
Cultivation
Tolerant to most soils; however, it prefers well-drained soil and full sun. Minimal pruning is required, but if necessary, should take place in late winter or early spring.
Shape
Vase-shaped or rounded.
Growth
Medium
ID Characteristic
It is easily identifiable by its white clusters of flowers in the spring, and bright red fruits in the winter. Serrated, dark green leaves are another distinguishing feature of this tree.
Pests
Fairly disease-resistant compared to other hawthorns, but still susceptible to cedar hawthorn rust and fire blight.
Habitat
Horticultural origin.
Bark/Stem Description
Mature trees have silvery grey bark that is scaly and often exfoliates to reveal a copper underbark. The younger branches have more of a silver-green colouring. Unlike other hawthorns, the cultivar ‘Winter King’ has few thorns.
Flower/Leaf Bud Description
Buds are about 6 mm in size and rounded with reddish scales.
Leaf Description
Glossy, dark green leaves. Alternately arranged, ovate in shape, and doubly-serrated. Up to 5 cm in length.
Flower Description
Clusters of small, white, five-petaled flowers bloom in mid-May. Flowers are about 5 cm wide and grouped in corymbs.
Fruit Description
Round, fleshy, red/orange fruits are about 9.5 mm wide. Fruits appear in autumn and persist into winter.
Colour Description
Dark green leaves turn red or burgundy in autumn, while white flowers blooming in late spring turn into red/orange fruits. Both the flowers and leaves contrast against each other and the silver-grey bark.
Texture Description
Fissured, narrow scales on the trunk give it a medium texture. Stays consistent throughout the year.
Notable Specimens
The Morton Arboretum, Lisle, Illinois, United States of America. Chicago Botanic Garden, Glencoe, Illinois, United States of America. Longwood Gardens, Kennett Square, Pennsylvania, United States of America.
Propagation
This tree is propagated primarily by grafting onto seedling rootstock of either the straight species Green Hawthorn (Crataegus viridis) or Washington Hawthorn (Crataegus phaenopyrum). Budding onto seedling rootstock is another option.
Ethnobotanical Uses (Disclaimer)
The flowers, berries, and leaves of certain Crataegus species such as C. monogyna and C. laevigata have been used medicinally for centuries. Hawthorn flowers and leaves can be used to control palpitations, tachycardia, and nervousness. The berries are mostly used to protect against cardiovascular health, insomnia, and anxiety.
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