Smooth Hawthorn

Crataegus laevigata

Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Rosaceae
Genus:
Crataegus
Species:
Crataegus laevigata

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Perennial
Growth Habit:
Shrub , Tree
Height:
20-40 ft
Light Requirements:
Full Sun
Drought Tolerance:
Medium
Bloom Months:
mar, apr, may
Bloom Colors:
pink, red, white

Native Range

United States: Michigan, Washington, Wisconsin, Canada: Ontario, Quebec

Keystone Species Ranking

Caterpillar Keystone:
★☆☆☆☆ Based on number of butterfly and moth species using this genus as host plant (Source: National Wildlife Federation)

Host Plant for Caterpillars

Autumnal moth (Epirrita autumnata), Cecropia moth (Hyalophora cecropia), cymatophoroides false owlet moth (Pseudothyatira cymatophoroides), fall cankerworm (Alsophila pometaria), Itame coortaria, Linden looper (Erannis tiliaria), Red-humped caterpillar moth (Schizura concinna), Red-washed Prominent (Oligocentria semirufescens), Trachycera suavella, Unicorn caterpillar moth (Schizura unicornis)

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
rich, well-drained loamy soil
pH:
6.0 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
Drainage:
tolerates poor drainage
Moisture:
consistently moist
Notes:
Prefers fertile soils in its native habitat