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Hawthorn
Hawthorn botanical plate
Field guide plate · click to zoom

Hawthorn

Crataegus mollis
In the United States: Native · also called downy hawthorn, red hawthorn

Honeybees heavily forage on downy hawthorn flowers for nectar and pollen in late spring, providing an important early-season boost that can lead to surplus honey in favorable years. Peak bloom typically hits in May across its range. This thorny native shrub is prone to cedar-apple rust, so avoid planting near eastern red cedars to minimize disease issues.

Nectarhigh
Pollenhigh
Bloom (US) April–May
Hardiness zones3-7
Duration~2 weeks
TypePerennial
Sunfull

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