Lavalle Hawthorn

Lavalle hawthorn (Crataegus × lavallei, Rosaceae) is a deciduous hybrid tree (C. mexicana × C. calpodendron) reaching 20 to 30 feet tall with erect, asymmetric growth and dense branching. Stout thorns reach 5 centimeters. White flowers (1.5 centimeters) appear from May to July. Brick-red to orange-red fruit speckled with brown (2 centimeters), containing 2 to 3 nutlets, persists into winter for extended ornamental interest.

Lavalle hawthorn is hardy in Zones 4a to 8b. Two clones exist in the trade: one vigorous with fewer fruit, one less vigorous with heavier fruiting. Disease and pest associations match the Crataegus genus broadly: 7 disease and 14 pest associations documented. No named cultivars beyond the 'Carrierei' clone, named for French horticulturist Elie Abel Carriere in 1883.