Lavalle Hawthorn Crataegus × lavalleei 'Carrierei'
ABOUT
The Crataegus × lavalleei 'Carrierei', commonly known as the Lavalle Hawthorn, is a striking deciduous tree that is highly appreciated for its visual appeal throughout the seasons. It features glossy, deep green leaves which are broad and almost leathery in texture, giving it a robust and lush appearance during the growing season. These leaves usually turn to various shades of orange, red, and yellow, displaying a vibrant autumnal show before they ultimately drop. One of the key ornamental qualities of the Lavalle Hawthorn is its profusion of white flowers that appear in clusters, creating a contrasting spectacle against the dark green foliage. These blooms are typically seen in late spring or early summer and are known for attracting pollinators, such as bees, to the garden. This display is followed by small, bright red-orange fruits called haws, which provide food for birds and other wildlife and add winter interest to the landscape even after the leaves have fallen. The bark of this tree contributes to its ornamental value as well. It is typically smooth with a gray to brown color and may show slight flaking with age, adding texture and visual interest even in the dormant season. Overall, the Lavalle Hawthorn is cherished not only for its aesthetic contributions but also for its adaptability and hardiness, making it a favored choice for gardens and landscapes where a mid-sized, ornamental tree is desired. Its seasonal changes in appearance provide a year-round display of color and form.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Rosaceae
Synonyms
Lavalle Hawthorn, Carriere Hawthorn, Hybrid Hawthorn
Common names
Crataegus × lavalleei 'Carrierei'.
ToxicityTo humans
Lavalle hawthorn (Crataegus × lavalleei 'Carrierei') is generally not considered toxic to humans and is not known to cause serious poisoning when ingested. Parts of hawthorns, including the Lavalle hawthorn, have actually been used in traditional medicine and are sometimes consumed in the form of teas or extracts. However, ingesting large quantities of seeds from the fruit should be avoided, as they contain amygdalin which can release cyanide in the gut. Ingestion of large amounts of seeds can potentially lead to cyanide poisoning, with symptoms such as nausea, headache, dizziness, rapid breathing, and possibly even convulsions and coma in severe cases. It's always best to exercise caution and consult with a medical professional or poison control if ingestion occurs and there are any concerns.
To pets
Lavalle hawthorn (Crataegus × lavalleei 'Carrierei') is not commonly known as a toxic plant to pets. Pets, like humans, can generally tolerate the consumption of the plant parts, such as leaves and fruits. The seeds, however, contain amygdalin which can convert to cyanide and may present a risk if consumed in large quantities. The potential symptoms of cyanide poisoning in pets include vomiting, diarrhea, difficulty breathing, and lethargy. In severe cases, seizures and coma can result from cyanide toxicity. If your pet has ingested a large amount of hawthorn seeds, it is important to seek veterinary care immediately.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
15-25 feet (4.6-7.6 meters)
Spread
15-25 feet (4.6-7.6 meters)
Plant type
Tree
Hardiness zones
5-7
Native area
Cultivar
Benefits
General Benefits- Attractive Blossoms: Produces showy clusters of white flowers that add visual appeal to the landscape in spring.
- Year-Round Interest: Features seasonal changes in appearance, with colorful autumn foliage and red berries that persist into winter.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, it is drought-resistant, making it suitable for areas with low rainfall.
- Wildlife Habitat: The berries provide a food source for birds during the winter months.
- Low Maintenance: Requires minimal care once established, making it suitable for low-maintenance landscaping.
- Hardy Nature: Able to withstand harsh conditions, including urban pollution and salt spray, ideal for urban environments.
- Erosion Control: Its root system helps stabilize the soil, reducing erosion on slopes and banks.
- Modest Size: With a moderate growth rate and size, it fits well in smaller gardens without overwhelming the space.
- Ornamental Fruit: Bears ornamental red berries that add to its decorative value, especially in winter landscapes.
- Privacy Screening: Can be used as a hedge or screen, providing privacy and reducing noise when planted in groups.
Medical Properties- Cardiotonic: Hawthorn has been used historically to support cardiac function and promote cardiovascular health.
- Antioxidant: Contains antioxidant properties that may help protect cells from damage by free radicals.
- Anti-inflammatory: May possess anti-inflammatory properties that could alleviate certain inflammatory conditions.
- Anxiolytic: Thought to have a mild sedative effect, potentially reducing anxiety and stress.
- Hypotensive: Has been traditionally used to help manage high blood pressure.
- Improved circulation: Believed to enhance blood flow, particularly to the heart and peripheral parts of the body.
- Digestive aid: Sometimes used to assist in digestion and alleviate abdominal discomfort.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Crataegus × lavalleei 'Carrierei', commonly known as Lavalle hawthorn, can be used to create living fences or hedges, providing privacy and reducing noise pollution when planted in dense rows.
- The wood of Lavalle hawthorn is hard and dense, making it suitable for crafting tool handles and other small wooden items where durability is required.
- The bright red berries can be used in decorative arrangements or as a natural dye for fabrics, giving a range of pink to red hues.
- Lavalle hawthorn trees can be trained into pleached forms, where the branches are interwoven to create a raised hedge on stilts, commonly used in formal gardens.
- Dried branches of the Lavalle hawthorn can be used in floral displays, adding a rustic and woody element to the compositions.
- The sturdy branches can be used as natural stakes for supporting other plants in the garden, such as tomatoes or climbing beans.
- Bird enthusiasts may plant Lavalle hawthorn to attract avian species that feed on the berries or use the dense foliage for nesting sites.
- The tree's ornamental qualities make it suitable for bonsai cultivation, where its attractive foliage, flowers, and fruits can be displayed in miniature form.
- In woodworking, the ornamental wood grain of Lavalle hawthorn can be used for small-scale inlays or decorative accents in furniture or craft projects.
- During the winter, the tree's shape and branching pattern provide visual interest in snow-covered landscapes, adding structural beauty to gardens.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Lavalle hawthorn is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Lavalle hawthorn is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Hope: As a member of the hawthorn family, Crataegus x lavalleei 'Carrierei', commonly known as Lavalle Hawthorn, is associated with hope. Hawthorns in general bloom in late spring, signifying the return of happiness and the hope that comes with the end of winter and the start of a fruitful season.
- Protection: Historically, hawthorns have been thought to possess protective qualities, owing to their dense thorny branches. The Lavalle Hawthorn may symbolize a safe haven or protection from harm.
- Love and Marriage: In some cultures, hawthorn flowers are symbolic of love and the hope of a happy marriage, possibly because the plant blooms around the time of many spring weddings.
- Peace and Harmony: The Lavalle Hawthorn can represent peace and harmony, possibly because it's often found in places of quiet and serene beauty, such as parks or gardens, where people seek rest and relaxation.
- Overcoming Challenges: The plant’s ability to grow in various soils and withstand urban pollution symbolizes one's ability to adapt and overcome challenges in life.
WaterLavalle hawthorn trees should be watered deeply and thoroughly, ideally with about 1 to 1.5 gallons of water for younger trees, once a week during the growing season. Adjustments should be made during periods of rain or drought, as the soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged. During the winter months, reduce watering frequency since the tree's water requirements decrease when it's dormant. For mature trees, water every two to three weeks, providing 2 gallons each time if there has been no significant rainfall. It's best to water the root zone directly rather than using a sprinkler system to minimize water wastage and prevent leaf diseases.
LightLavalle hawthorns thrive in full sun exposure, meaning at least six hours of direct, unfiltered sunlight per day. They can tolerate some light shade but will flower and fruit best when planted in a location that receives ample sunshine. An ideal spot would be an open area away from larger trees or structures that could cast significant shadows on the hawthorn.
TemperatureLavalle hawthorns are cold-hardy and can survive in temperatures as low as -20 to -30°F. They perform well in a wide range of temperatures and their ideal growing conditions are in areas where the temperature generally stays between 50°F and 80°F. These trees are well-suited for USDA hardiness zones 5 through 8.
PruningPrune Lavalle hawthorns to maintain their shape and remove any dead or diseased branches. It's best to prune in late winter or early spring before the tree begins its active growth. Prune the hawthorn every two to three years, or as needed to maintain its shape and size. Thinning out crowded branches can also improve air circulation and reduce the risk of disease.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe Lavalle Hawthorn thrives in well-drained soil enriched with organic matter. A balanced mix of loam, sand, and compost is ideal, with a pH level between 6.0 and 7.5 to support optimal growth.
RepottingThe Lavalle Hawthorn, being a tree, is usually not repotted as it is planted directly in the ground. It does not require frequent repotting, but rather it is transplanted if necessary when it outgrows its current location.
Humidity & MistingThe Lavalle Hawthorn is adaptable to various humidity levels and does not require any specific humidity conditions. It grows well in the average outdoor humidity found in its growing zones.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Lavalle Hawthorn requires full sun, thus difficult to grow indoors effectively.
Outdoor
Place in full sun with well-draining soil and water regularly.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
Life cycleThe Crataegus × lavalleei 'Carrierei', commonly known as the Lavalle hawthorn, begins its life when a seed germinates in the soil in early spring. The seedling emerges and grows into a young plant, which then develops into a sapling with a woody stem. Within a few years, it matures into a fully grown tree capable of flowering; it often produces white or pale pink blossoms in late spring to early summer. After pollination, typically by bees and other insects, the tree bears fruit in the form of small red pomes, which ripen in the fall and may persist into winter, providing food for birds and wildlife. The Lavalle hawthorn can remain productive for several decades, going through annual cycles of growth, flowering, and fruiting. During its lifetime, the tree may also experience phases of dormancy during the colder months, shedding its leaves in fall and entering a period of rest until the next spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Late winter to early spring
The most popular method of propagation for the Lavalle hawthorn (Crataegus × lavalleei 'Carrierei') is by semi-hardwood cuttings. This typically takes place during the late summer. To propagate from cuttings, one should select healthy, semi-ripe stems from the current year's growth. The cuttings should be about 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 centimeters) in length, with several leaves left at the top. The lower leaves are removed and the cut end is dipped in rooting hormone to encourage root development. The prepared cutting is then placed in a well-draining potting mix, ensuring at least one set of leaf nodes is below the surface. The cutting should be kept moist and in a protected environment with indirect sunlight until roots develop, which usually takes a few weeks to a couple of months.
