Crataegus x lavallei, Lavalle hawthorn
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Broadleaf Deciduous Trees

Crataegus x lavallei

Lavalle hawthorn

Rosaceae
Hybrid of garden origin — raised at the Segrez Arboretum in France, c. 1880; parentage includes Crataegus crus-galli (cockspur hawthorn, North America) and C. stipulacea (Mexico)

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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 4Zone 5Zone 6Zone 7Zone 8
These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.
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Frost Tolerancehardy

Key Features

Attracts PollinatorsDeer ResistantDrought Tolerant
Maintenancevery low

Overview

Crataegus × lavallei is Lavalle hawthorn (Carrierei hawthorn), a deciduous tree growing 20-30 feet (6-9 m) tall and 15-25 feet (4.5-7.5 m) wide. White flowers with pink-red anthers 0.5-0.75 inch (1.3-2 cm) in flat-topped corymbs 3-4 inches (7-10 cm) in May-June. Glossy dark green unlobed to shallowly lobed leaves 2-4 inches (5-10 cm) — the unlobed glossy foliage distinguishes this from most hawthorns. Turns reddish-bronze in fall and persists late. Large orange-red haws 0.5-0.75 inch (1.3-2 cm) persist through winter into early spring — among the most persistent fruit of any hawthorn. Thorns sparse to absent on mature trees. In Rosaceae. Hybrid of garden origin raised at the Segrez Arboretum in France c. 1880. Fire blight (Erwinia amylovora) is the primary disease limitation — causes sudden branch dieback. Cedar-hawthorn rust also occurs. Tolerates urban conditions, alkaline soil, wind, and drought. Deer-resistant. Non-toxic. Zones 4-8. Full sun. Growth rate is moderate.

Native Range

Hybrid of garden origin — raised at the Segrez Arboretum in France c. 1880. Parentage includes C. crus-galli (cockspur hawthorn, North America) and C. stipulacea (Mexico).

Suggested Uses

Grown as a street tree, specimen tree, and in hedgerows spaced 15-25 feet (4.5-7.5 m). Persistent orange-red winter haws. Glossy unlobed foliage. Tolerates urban conditions and alkaline soil. Fire blight susceptible. Deer-resistant. Non-toxic. Zones 4-8.

How to Identify

Identified by glossy dark green unlobed to shallowly lobed leaves and large orange-red persistent haws on a medium thorny (sparse thorns) deciduous tree. The unlobed glossy leaves distinguish C. × lavallei from lobed-leaved hawthorns (C. monogyna, C. laevigata, C. phaenopyrum). The persistent large haws (October-February) are diagnostic. In Rosaceae.

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
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Spring
Late spring (May-June). White flowers with pink-red anthers 0.5-0.75 inch (1.3-2 cm) in flat-topped corymbs 3-4 inches (7-10 cm). 3 weeks of bloom. Bee-pollinated. Large orange-red haws persist October through February.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

White with pink-red anthers, 0.5-0.75 inch (1.3-2 cm), single, in flat-topped corymbs 3-4 inches (7-10 cm) across

Foliage Description

Glossy dark green, unlobed to shallowly lobed, 2-4 inches (5-10 cm) long; turns reddish-bronze in fall and persists late into the season

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Full Sun
Requires 6-10 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
Drainagewell 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

Full sun (6+ hours). Any well-drained soil pH 6.0-7.5 — tolerates chalk, clay, and urban conditions. Drought-tolerant once established. Fire blight — remove affected branches 12 inches (30 cm) below infection, disinfect tools. Cedar-hawthorn rust — remove nearby junipers if severe. Prune in late winter (February-March). Deer-resistant. Non-toxic. Zones 4-8.

Pruning

Prune in late winter (February-March). Remove dead, crossing, or fire blight-affected branches — disinfect tools between cuts. Develop a strong central leader when young. Thorns are sparse on mature trees but present on young growth — wear gloves.

Pruning Schedule

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early spring

Maintenance Level

very low

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Non-toxic