Crataegus x persimilis (21/10/2013, Kew Gardens, London)
Position: Full sun to partial shade
Flowering period: Late spring
Soil: Moist, well drained
Eventual Height: 8m
Eventual Spread: 6m
Hardiness: 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a
Family: Rosaceae
Crataegus x persimilis is a slow growing deciduous tree with a rounded bushy habit. Its glossy dark green leaves are elliptic with serrate margins, up to 8cm long and 6cm broad. Its leaves turn orange/ red in autumn before they fall. Its branches are thorny. Its fragrant white flowers appear as flattened corymbs. Its red fruit are pomes, appear in autumn and are up to 1cm across.
Crataegus x persimilis Fruit (21/10/2013, Kew Gardens, London)
Crataegus x persimilis, commonly known as Broad-Leaved Cockspur Thorn, is a cross between Crataegus succulenta and Crataegus crus-galli.
The etymological root of the binomial name Crataegus is derived from the Greek krataigos meaning ‘a flowering thorn’, possibly derived itself from kratos meaning ‘strength’ alluding to the hard wood usually found in the genus. Persimilis is derived from the Latin per meaning ‘very’ and similis meaning ‘similar’.
The landscape architect may find Crataegus x persimilis useful as a small attractive wildlife tree. This tree is tolerant of urban pollution.
Ecologically, Crataegus x persimilis flowers are attractive to pollinating insects. Its fruit are attractive to some birds.
The Royal Horticultural Society has given the variety Crataegus x persimilis ‘Prunifolia’ their prestigious Award of Garden Merit in 1993.
Crataegus x persimilis Autumn Leaf (21/10/2013, Kew Gardens, London)
Crataegus x persimilis prefers moist, fertile, well-drained soils. It tolerates most pH of soil.
Crataegus x persimilis requires little maintenance. Any necessary pruning should be carried out in late winter to early spring.