Hybrid Cockspur Thorn, Lavallée’s Hawthorn

Crataegus x lavallei is a hybrid cross between Crataegus mexicana and Crataegus calodendron, which originated in the 1870s.

The mid-green, oval, glossy leaves appear late in spring and turn red to yellow in autumn, often persisting on the tree until December, making this a useful screening tree for gardens. 

The white flowers appear in clusters in May and are followed by orange fruits, known as Haws, that are retained on the tree for most of winter. These fruits often provide a fine contrast with the foliage as it turns.

Like other Hawthorns, Crataegus x Lavallee is a tough contender. It tolerates most soil conditions, from moist to very dry, from chalk to clay. This tree will thrive on the trickiest of sites, coping with a cold, exposed aspect and salt-laden winds from the coast.

As a mature tree, the Hybrid Hawthorn produces a wonderfully rounded, dense crown and is less thorny than other Crataegus species. It is a small and versatile tree useful in a range of situations. For small gardens, it will provide a compact tree with year-round interest and, in addition, can offer some screening due to the late leaf fall.

Mature Height: 5-7m

Common names

Hybrid Cockspur Thorn, Lavallée’s Hawthorn

Height of tree

3-7m

Soil type

Well drained, Will tolerate most soil types

Shape

Rounded

Blossom Colour

White

Foliage Colour

Green

Information Flags

Good for bees

Location

Garden, Parkland

Genus

Crataegus