Crataegus lavallei Carrierei - Hawthorn

Crataegus x lavallei 'Carrierei' is a small tree with a rounded and dense habit, rarely exceeding 7m (23ft) in height and 5m (16ft) in spread. In autumn, it produces an abundance of bright orange-red fruits, persisting until the heart of winter and highly appreciated by birds. The branches with grey and then brown bark bear semi-evergreen, dark green, leathery foliage. Flowering occurs in May in the form of numerous fragrant white flowers, gathered in corymbs. Easy to grow and highly ornamental, this uncommon tree will find its place in all gardens, even small ones.

Crataegus x lavallei 'Carrierei' is a cross between Cockspur Thorn or Cockspur Hawthorn (Crataegus crus-galli), a species native to North America, and Mexican Hawthorn (Crataegus pubescens). It belongs to the large Rosaceae family. The first specimen was reportedly discovered in France in 1867.

This small, long-lived tree, with its very hard wood, measures approximately 6m (20ft) in height and 4m (13ft) in spread at maturity, with an irregular, rounded and dense habit. The foliage is alternate and semi-evergreen. It consists of simple, oval-shaped leaves, 7 to 11cm (3 to 4in) long, without lobes. The leaves are dark green, turning orange-red in autumn. It produces numerous fragrant white flowers, gathered in dense, flat corymbs. The flower corollas have 5 rounded petals and numerous stamens with light pink anthers that turn purple. In September-October, bright orange-red fruits called 'haws', about 2cm (1in) in diameter and slightly elongated, appear. They are consumed by birds.

Crataegus x lavallei 'Carrierei' adapts well to any well-drained soil, even limestone, in sunny or semi-shaded positions. It is hardy and undemanding, and may require occasional pruning in February to maintain balance. With its small size, it can be planted in gardens of all sizes, as a standalone tree within a closed courtyard, at the forefront of a grove, along a pathway, or even integrated into a countryside or defensive hedge. Resistant to pollution and sea spray, it is an excellent choice for urban or coastal gardens.