Russian hawthorn
Crataegus ambigua
Another gem tracing its origins in American horticulture to the Cheyenne Experiment Station, this nearly perfect small tree has gorgeous bark, foliage and flowers followed by glistening red fruit in fall beloved of birds. Did we mention golden fall color? An underutilized tree, although treasured by keen gardeners in the Front Range.
Tips from the pros: Pull any undesired seedlings.
| Plant Type | Tree |
| Height | 16-20 feet |
| Width | 12-16 feet |
| Flowering Season | April to May |
| Flower Color | White |
| Sun | Sun, Part Sun |
| Water Needs | Moderate to xeric |
| USDA Hardiness Zone | Zones 4-9 |
| Soil Type | Clay, Loam, Sandy |
| Deer Resistant | Yes |
| Good for Pollination | Yes |
| Winter Interest | Yes |
| North American Native | No |
| Year Introduced | 2011 |
| Annual Commercial Maintenance | Occasional thinning required in spring and every summer trim back any suckers that may occur at base. Use ISA pruning practices for pruning. On multi-stem specimens keep lower branches trimmed off to desired height. |
| 5-10 Year Commercial Maintenance | Follow annual maintenance. |
| Elevation Guide | Up to 7500 ft. |
