Description
Crataegus viridis ‘Winter King’, commonly known as Green Hawthorn, is a striking deciduous tree prized for its ornamental appeal and adaptability. Native to the southeastern United States, this cultivar is celebrated for its robust growth habit, reaching heights of 25 to 30 feet with a broad, rounded crown that provides excellent shade. One of its unique features is its glossy dark green foliage that turns a vibrant red in the fall, adding seasonal interest to landscapes. In late spring, ‘Winter King’ produces abundant clusters of fragrant white flowers that attract pollinators, followed by bright red fruit that persist into winter, offering valuable food for birds. Its thorny branches create a natural barrier, making it suitable for use in hedges or as a security screen. The Green Hawthorn is tolerant of urban conditions, including pollution and compacted soils, and demonstrates good disease resistance, particularly to common hawthorn ailments. Recognized for its ornamental qualities and hardiness, ‘Winter King’ has been widely planted in public and private landscapes, appreciated for combining beauty, wildlife value, and practical use.