What hardiness zones is Crataegus x lavallei suitable for?

Crataegus x lavallei is suitable for USDA hardiness zones 4, 5, 6, 7, 8.

What are the sun requirements for Crataegus x lavallei?

Crataegus x lavallei requires Full Sun.

How much water does Crataegus x lavallei need?

Crataegus x lavallei has Low water needs.

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Broadleaf Deciduous Trees

Crataegus x lavallei

Lavalle hawthorn

Rosaceae

Hybrid of garden origin (France); parents from Europe and Mexico

At a Glance

TypeTree

HabitUpright

FoliageDeciduous

Height20-30 feet (6-9 m)

Width15-25 feet (4.5-7.5 m)

Maturity12 years

Growing Zones

USDA Hardiness Zones

4 - 8

Zone 4

Zone 5

Zone 6

Zone 7

Zone 8

These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.

Frost Tolerancehardy

Key Features

Attracts Pollinators

Deer Resistant

Drought Tolerant

Maintenancevery low

Overview

Crataegus × lavallei (Lavalle hawthorn, Carriere hawthorn) is a hybrid small deciduous tree reaching 20–30 feet (6–9 m) tall and 15–25 feet (4.5–7.5 m) wide, forming a densely branched, broadly oval to rounded crown. It is one of the finest hawthorns for ornamental use — notably because it is nearly thornless or lightly thorned compared to most hawthorns, making it safer to work with and plant near foot traffic. In May through June, clusters of white flowers with pink-red anthers cover the tree with a modest but pleasant display. The primary ornamental feature is the fruit: large, persistent orange-red to brick-red haws 0.5–0.75 inch (13–19 mm) across that develop in September and remain on the tree in good condition through December and often into January — outlasting the fruit of virtually every other hawthorn species. The large, glossy, leathery, dark green leaves 2–4 inches (5–10 cm) long hold on the tree late into fall — into November in PNW conditions — before turning reddish-bronze. In mild years, some leaves persist through winter. The tree is exceptionally tough: tolerates urban pollution, compacted soils, heat, and drought when established. Great Plant Picks endorsed. The cultivar 'Carrierei' is sometimes listed but Lavalle hawthorn is generally sold as the straight hybrid. Parentage is debated: possibly C. stipulacea × C. crus-galli or related species.

Native Range

Hybrid of garden origin, first described by Carriere in France in 1883. Parent species are European/Mexican; the hybrid does not occur naturally.

Suggested Uses

One of the best choices for a tough, adaptable small ornamental tree in PNW landscapes — Great Plant Picks endorsed. The near-thornless habit is a major practical advantage over most hawthorns, making it appropriate near paths, sidewalks, and play areas. The large persistent orange-red haws provide outstanding fall and winter fruit display and support birds through the lean season. Glossy dark green foliage holds late into fall for extended interest. Excellent for street tree use, commercial landscapes, and urban gardens where adaptability to compacted, polluted, or difficult conditions is required. The fruit display from September through January fills a critical winter gap when few other trees are ornamentally active.

How to Identify

Identified by the combination of large, glossy, leathery dark green leaves 2–4 inches (5–10 cm) long (much larger than most hawthorns), nearly thornless or lightly thorned stems, and — most distinctively — large orange-red to brick-red persistent haws 0.5–0.75 inch (13–19 mm) that remain on the tree from September through December and often into January. White flowers with pink-red anthers in May through June. Late leaf persistence (into November) adds to the identification. Distinguished from Crataegus phaenopyrum by larger, more persistent fruit, larger leaves, and near-thornlessness.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height20' - 30'

Width/Spread15' - 25'

Reaches mature size in approximately 12 years

Colors

Flower Colors

white

pink

Foliage Colors

dark green

Fall Foliage Colors

red

orange

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~3 weeks

Spring

Blooms May through June with clusters of white flowers 0.75 inch (19 mm) across with pink-red anthers — attractive but not the primary ornamental reason for growing this tree. Large orange-red to brick-red haws 0.5–0.75 inch (13–19 mm) develop in September and persist with good color through December and into January, attracting birds. Dark green glossy leaves persist late into fall.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

white with pink-red anthers

Foliage Description

glossy dark green in summer; reddish-bronze in fall, persisting late

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Full Sun

Requires 5-12 hours of direct sunlight daily

• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight

• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight

• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range6.0 - 7.5(Neutral)

357912

Soil Types

loamclaychalksand

Drainage

well drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Low

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

10-15 years

Drought Tolerance

Drought tolerant when established

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Plant in full sun in well-drained, average soil. Exceptionally tough and adaptable: tolerates urban pollution, compacted soils, clay, chalk, and prolonged drought once established. One of the most urban-tolerant small trees available. Near-thornless habit makes it suitable near pedestrian areas where thorny hawthorns are impractical. Fire blight (Erwinia amylovora) can affect Lavalle hawthorn — monitor for blackened, bent shoot tips in spring and remove affected wood 12 inches (30 cm) below visible symptoms with sterilized tools. No other significant pests or diseases in PNW conditions. The persistent fruit may attract birds in quantity through winter — consider proximity to parked vehicles.

Pruning

Prune in late winter (February through March) or after the berry display has faded (February through March). Remove crossing or rubbing branches to maintain an open, balanced crown. The naturally rounded, dense form requires minimal corrective pruning. If fire blight appears, prune 12 inches (30 cm) below visible infection with sterilized tools disinfected between cuts. Can be trained as a single-trunk standard or maintained as a multi-stemmed small tree.

Pruning Schedule

early spring

Maintenance Level

very low

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Non-toxic