Hawthorn, Russian

Russian hawthorn (Crataegus ambigua) is a small deciduous tree or large shrub that is native to central and southwestern Asia. It grows up to 20 to 25 feet (6.1 to 7.6 meters) tall and has a spread of about 15 to 20 feet (4.6 to 6.1 meters). The tree has a rounded, spreading shape and is known for its fragrant, white to pink flowers that bloom in early summer, followed by red, orange or yellow fruit that is edible but sour. The leaves are glossy, dark green and have deeply lobed edges. In the fall, the leaves turn shades of yellow and orange before dropping off. The bark is brown and smooth, becoming slightly rough with age. Russian hawthorn is tolerant of a wide range of growing conditions, including poor soils and drought, and is commonly used as a landscape tree or shrub for its attractive foliage, flowers, and fruit.