Crataegus ambigua

Russian Hawthorn

Crataegus ambigua, commonly known as Russian Hawthorn, is a deciduous ornamental tree valued for its white spring flowers, bright red fruit, and strong adaptability to tough landscape conditions.


Mature Size:
Width: 15–20 ft
Height: 15–20 ft

Form: Rounded, spreading canopy

Foliage:
Dark green, lobed leaves with refined texture
Yellow to reddish fall color

Blooms:
Clusters of white flowers in mid to late spring

Fruit:
Bright red pomes (haws) in late summer
Persist into fall and attract birds

Fall/Winter Interest:
Red fruit and attractive branching structure

USDA Zones: 3a–7b
Light: Full sun
Soil: Well-drained; adaptable to clay and alkaline soils
Water: Moderate; drought tolerant once established


🌸 Landscape Uses
Specimen tree, small shade tree, street tree, wildlife plantings, tough landscape sites


🌼 Attracts & Tolerances
Attracts: Birds, pollinators
Tolerances: Drought, urban conditions, heat, wind

Plant type

Flowering Ornamental Tree

Height

15-20'

Width

15-20'

Hardiness zones

3–7

Sunlight

Full Sun

Growth rate

Fast

Bloom time

Early Spring

Leaf color

Green

Fall color

Amaranth, Yellow

Attracts

Birds

Soil

Acidic, Clay, Sandy

Landscape use

Accent Plant

Shape

Oval/Rounded, Vase Shaped

Fruit

Yes

Drought tolerant

No