Midland Hawthorn

English hawthorn is a common ornamental in older Puget Sound neighborhoods, typically the cultivars 'Paul's Scarlet' (double scarlet flowers) and 'Crimson Cloud' (single red with white center). The tree performs adequately here but is highly susceptible to leaf spot, rust, and scab in our wet springs, often defoliating by midsummer in bad years. Not to be confused with Crataegus monogyna (common hawthorn), which is a Class C noxious weed in Washington and aggressively invasive in the San Juan Islands and other areas. C. laevigata is much less invasive but the two species hybridize freely. For new hawthorn plantings, consider the native Crataegus douglasii (black hawthorn) which is better adapted and supports local wildlife.