Crataegus viridis 'Winter King'

Winter King Hawthorn

Crataegus viridis ‘Winter King’ is a deciduous ornamental tree prized for its heavy display of bright red fruit that persists into winter, attractive exfoliating bark, and strong disease resistance compared to many other hawthorns.


Mature Size:
Width: 20–25 ft
Height: 20–30 ft

Form: Upright when young, maturing to a rounded canopy

Foliage / Thorns / Fruit:
Glossy dark green leaves turning purple to bronze in fall; small thorns along branches; abundant bright red haws that persist well into winter

Blooms:
Clusters of white flowers in mid to late spring

Fall/Winter Interest:
Persistent red fruit and attractive peeling bark

USDA Zones: 4a–8b
Light: Full sun
Soil: Well-drained; adaptable to clay and urban soils
Water: Moderate; drought tolerant once established


🌸 Landscape Uses
Specimen tree, street tree, parking lot islands, wildlife plantings, residential landscapes


🌼 Attracts & Tolerances
Attracts: Birds, pollinators
Tolerances: Urban conditions, heat, drought

Plant type

Flowering Ornamental Tree

Height

20'

Width

15'

Hardiness zones

4–8

Sunlight

Full Sun, Partial Shade

Bloom time

Spring

Flower color

White

Leaf color

Green

Fall color

Yellow

Attracts

Butterflies

Soil

Clay, Moist well-drained

Fruit

Yes

Fragrant

Yes

Deer resistant

Yes

Drought tolerant

No