Russian Hawthorn (Crataegus ambigua) is a medium-sized deciduous tree or large shrub producing white flowers and red fruit. Hardy and adaptable, it's suitable for various
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Full Sun to Partial Shade
75% intensity
Prefers full sun for best flowering and fruiting, but will tolerate partial shade. More shade can result in reduced bloom and fruit production.
Moderate
50% intensity
Keep soil consistently moist, especially when young. Water deeply and less frequently once established, allowing the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings.
Loam, Sand, Clay, Acidic, Neutral, Alkaline
50% intensity
Hardy
25% intensity
Very cold hardy, suitable for USDA zones 3-7. Tolerates a wide range of temperatures once established.
Low
25% intensity
Benefits from a light feeding of balanced fertilizer in early spring. Over-fertilizing can reduce flowering and fruiting.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | No 0/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | No 0/5 intensity |
Non-toxic
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Water Russian Hawthorn regularly, especially when young, to maintain consistently moist soil. Once established, it tolerates brief dry spells. Avoid waterlogged conditions, which can lead to root rot.
Deep watering encourages a robust root system, making the plant more resilient to drought.
Prune Russian Hawthorn in late winter or early spring before bud break to shape the tree and remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches. Lightly prune after flowering to maintain form.
Avoid heavy pruning, as it can reduce flowering and fruiting potential for the season.
Propagate Russian Hawthorn from seed, which requires stratification (a period of cold, moist conditions) to germinate. Softwood or semi-hardwood cuttings can also be taken in summer and rooted under mist.
Grafting onto a suitable rootstock is another method for reliable results.
Repot young Russian Hawthorn plants every 2-3 years in early spring before growth starts, especially if container-grown. Choose a pot only slightly larger than the current one.
For established trees, repotting is rarely necessary unless the plant is suffering from root issues or needs relocation.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Russian Hawthorn (Crataegus ambigua)
Where Russian Hawthorn (Crataegus ambigua) is found
Density
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Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Rosales |
| Family | Rosaceae |
| Genus | Crataegus |
| Species | Crataegus ambigua |
Similar in genus Crataegus
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
