Winter King Hawthorn

Winter Beauty In Compact Form

The Winter King Hawthorn (Crataegus viridis 'Winter King') is a compact ornamental tree that truly shines when the rest of the garden goes quiet! With its silvery-grey, exfoliating bark and clusters of bright red berries that persist through winter, this tree adds texture, color, and charm to even the frostiest landscape. Fragrant white spring flowers and golden-red fall foliage round out its four-season display.

Rounded in shape and just 25-35 feet tall and 15-20 feet wide, fits beautifully into smaller landscapes. It produces glossy dark green leaves with serrated edges in summer, turning warm tones in autumn. The fruit feeds wildlife, the bark adds winter contrast, and younger greenish branches offer an extra layer of visual interest.

Native to the southeastern U.S., this hardy selection of Green Hawthorn is one of the toughest and most ornamental Hawthorn varieties. It thrives in USDA zones 4 to 7 and is loved for its cold-hardiness, drought tolerance, and low-maintenance nature. Fewer thorns than other Hawthorns make it even more garden-friendly. It's a regal performer no matter the season!

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Key Features

• Compact ornamental tree with a rounded, symmetrical canopy
• Silvery exfoliating bark reveals copper tones beneath
• Bright red berries persist through winter and feed birds
• Glossy, serrated leaves turn golden-red in fall
• Fragrant white flowers bloom in spring
• Low-thorn variety
• Wildlife-friendly and pollinator-attracting
• Disease-resistant, hardy, Deer-resistant, and adaptable to both urban and rural settings

Landscaping Uses

A regal choice for small yards or tight garden spots, Winter King grows to a neat 25-35 feet tall and 15-20 feet wide with a symmetrical canopy.

• Anchor plant for smaller landscapes
• Specimen tree with standout winter form
• Great for cottage garden designs or mixed borders
• Excellent near patios, windows, and sidewalks
• Provides food and shelter in bird and wildlife-friendly gardens
• Adds color and interest to winter gardens
• Though few in number, the thorns are great trespassing deterrents in mixed shrub borders and hedges

The bright red fruit of the Winter King Hawthorn is technically edible for humans, though it's most often enjoyed by wildlife; it can be included as edible landscaping!

The small, berry-like fruit is called a haw, and while it's mealy and a bit bland raw, it can be used to make jellies, jams, wines, and even herbal teas. The flavor is mildly sweet and apple-like when cooked, and the fruit contains vitamin C and antioxidants, making it a staple in traditional folk medicine for supporting heart health and digestion.

However, a few things to note before indulging:

• Only eat fully ripe fruit (usually late fall to early winter).
• Avoid the seeds, as they contain compounds similar to apple seeds that are mildly toxic in large amounts.
• Never eat wild Hawthorn fruit unless you're sure of the species. Some types can cause stomach upset if misidentified.

So yes, while the Winter King's fruit is perfectly safe and even useful in the kitchen, it's best used cooked or processed rather than eaten raw off the branch. And you might want to share with the birds. They should get first dibs!

Care and Maintenance

Winter King is a deciduous ornamental tree prized for its rugged nature, year-round interest, and minimal thorniness. It's cold-hardy, urban-tolerant, and handles drought and varied soils with ease.

• Planting Time: Best in spring or fall
• Sun Needs: Full sun is needed for the best berry and flower production
• Soil Needs: Adapts to clay, rocky, or loamy soil; needs decent drainage
• Moisture Needs: Moderate water; use the Finger Test to check soil moisture for new plantings
• Mulch: Use a 3-4 inch deep layer of arborist mulch to protect roots and retain moisture
• Fertilization Needs: Feed in early spring if growth slows, though it often thrives without added nutrients
• Pruning Info: Prune trees right after flowering to shape or thin; Hawthorn blooms on old wood, so avoid heavy pruning after flowering
• Special Needs/Perks/Growing Tips and Tricks For Success:
• Resistant to rust and leaf spot
• Tolerates urban conditions
• Deer-resistant
• Tolerates high and low pH soils
• Fewer thorns than typical Hawthorns!
• Chill Hours: Not applicable
• Pollination Needs: Self-pollinating and does not require a partner tree

A Royal Winter Display You'll Love

When your garden fades into dormancy, the Winter King Hawthorn steps up and takes the throne. With glowing red berries, copper-streaked bark, and a tidy size perfect for modern yards, it's a low-fuss tree with regal winter charm!

Buy now, and Nature Hills will ship your new Hawthorn at the appropriate planting time for your planting zone.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Winter King Hawthorn trees lose their leaves?
Yes, they are deciduous and drop their golden-red fall foliage before winter.

Will the berries attract birds?
Absolutely! Songbirds and other wildlife love the persistent red fruit through winter.

Are Winter King Hawthorns safe for planting near sidewalks?
Yes, this variety has minimal thorns, making it safer and more manageable than most Hawthorns.

Can I grow this tree in clay soil?
Yes, it tolerates clay well as long as drainage is reasonable.

How long do the berries last?
They usually persist into late winter, or until hungry birds finish them off.

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