Plant Encyclopedia

Description:

One of the hardiest ornamental hawthorns, highly recommended for small home landscapes; resembles a cloud of white flowers in spring, sparse red fruit in fall, good disease resistance; however, does have sharp thorns

Ornamental Features

Snowbird Hawthorn is draped in stunning clusters of white flowers held atop the branches in mid spring. It has forest green deciduous foliage. The serrated lobed leaves do not develop any appreciable fall colour.

Landscape Attributes

Snowbird Hawthorn is a deciduous tree with a more or less rounded form. Its average texture blends into the landscape, but can be balanced by one or two finer or coarser trees or shrubs for an effective composition.

This is a relatively low maintenance tree, and is best pruned in late winter once the threat of extreme cold has passed. Gardeners should be aware of the following characteristic(s) that may warrant special consideration;

• Spiny

Snowbird Hawthorn is recommended for the following landscape applications;

• Accent
• Hedges/Screening

Planting & Growing

Snowbird Hawthorn will grow to be about 20 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 20 feet. It has a low canopy with a typical clearance of 4 feet from the ground, and is suitable for planting under power lines. It grows at a medium rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for 40 years or more.

This tree does best in full sun to partial shade. It is very adaptable to both dry and moist growing conditions, but will not tolerate any standing water. It is not particular as to soil type or pH. It is somewhat tolerant of urban pollution. This particular variety is an interspecific hybrid.