One-flowered Hawthorn Crataegus uniflora

Crataegus, or Hawthorn, is a small deciduous tree or shrub in the rose family that includes many species and varieties distributed across North Carolina. Crataegus uniflora, or Dwarf Hawthorn, is found naturally in forests, roadsides, rock outcrops, and other disturbed lands with xeric to sub-xeric conditions. It grows as a  spreading shrub or small tree with short, stout trunks, a rounded crown and crooked branches. It appears in tree form only in Northern Florida. It is heat tolerant with good fall color. Like most Hawthorns, Dwarf Hawthorn, has straight fine thorns, solitary white flowers that appear in spring, and fall fruits.

This shrub prefers well-drained soils on the drier side in sun to partial shade.  Once established, it succeeds in excessively moist soils and also tolerates drought. It grows well in organic as well as clay and sandy soils and can tolerate windy conditions. However, it does not do well with exposure to maritime salt air. It can be easily pruned and could be used as a barrier, hedge or as a wildlife plant in naturalized areas. It is beneficial to birds, small mammals and pollinators. It may be difficult to find for sale.  It is a host plant for the larvae of Gray hairstreak (Strymon melinus), Red-spotted purple (Limenitis arthemis astyanax) and the Viceroy (Limenitis archippus) butterflies.

Diseases, Insects, and Other Plant Problems:

No known disease or pest issues.