Downy hawthorn (Crataegus mollis)
Care, watering, light and tips for Downy hawthorn on Floravia.
Quick facts
- Family: Rosaceae
- Difficulty: Easy to care for
- Watering: every 7 days
- Light: Full sun
- Temperature: 0–30 °C
- Toxicity: Toxic to pets
About Downy hawthorn
Crataegus mollis, commonly known as downy hawthorn or turkey-apple, is a deciduous tree native to North America, valued for its white spring blossoms and red autumn fruits. It reaches heights of up to 10 meters, forming a rounded, dense canopy, ideal for large gardens, parks, or as a shade tree. Its edible, tart-sweet berries attract wildlife, adding ecological interest to the landscape.
Native range
Eastern North America
Care tips
Prefers full sun exposure for optimal flowering and fruiting, though it tolerates some partial shade. It is drought-tolerant once established but benefits from regular watering during dry periods, especially in its early years. Adapts to a wide range of soils, as long as they are well-drained; avoid excessively compacted or waterlogged soils. A common mistake is over-pruning, which can reduce flower and fruit production; perform formative or sanitary pruning in winter.
How to save a dying Downy hawthorn
- Warning signs
- Yellowing or spotted leaves, premature fruit drop, dry branches.
- First aid
- Check drainage and moisture, prune dead branches, look for pests (aphids).
- What kills it
- Excessive moisture or clay soils, lack of sun, poor aeration.
- Can it be saved?
- Yes, if acted upon quickly and the root problem is corrected, especially drainage.