Lavalle Hawthorn (Crataegus × lavallei): Complete Growing, Care, Propagation, Uses & Harvest Guide

Lavalle Hawthorn (Crataegus × lavallei) is a stunning ornamental hybrid tree celebrated for its glossy foliage, abundant orange-red fruit, and impressive disease resistance. Whether you’re a home gardener, landscaper, or horticulture enthusiast, this hawthorn variety provides year-round beauty with relatively low maintenance.

This comprehensive guide explains everything you need to know to grow, propagate, care for, and use Lavalle Hawthorn — plus how to harvest and benefit from its fruit.

Lavalle Hawthorn - Crataegus x lavallei
Lavalle Hawthorn - Crataegus x lavallei
Lavalle Hawthorn - Crataegus x lavallei
Lavalle Hawthorn - Crataegus x lavallei
Lavalle Hawthorn - Crataegus x lavallei
Lavalle Hawthorn - Crataegus x lavallei
Lavalle Hawthorn - Crataegus x lavallei
Lavalle Hawthorn - Crataegus x lavallei
Lavalle Hawthorn - Crataegus x lavallei
Lavalle Hawthorn - Crataegus x lavallei
Lavalle Hawthorn - Crataegus x lavallei
Lavalle Hawthorn - Crataegus x lavallei

What Is Lavalle Hawthorn?

Lavalle Hawthorn, sometimes called Lavallée’s Hawthorn, is a hybrid between Crataegus mexicana and Crataegus crus-galli. It’s grown primarily as an ornamental tree for its:

  • Shiny dark-green leaves that turn orange-red in fall
  • White spring blossoms
  • Persistent orange-red fruits (drupes) that last through winter
  • Attractive rounded growth habit
  • Strong disease resistance, especially to leaf spot

Mature specimens typically reach 15–25 feet tall with a similar spread — making them excellent choices for urban landscapes or compact gardens.

How to Grow Lavalle Hawthorn (Crataegus × lavallei)

1. Site Selection

Lavalle Hawthorn thrives in full sun. At least 6–8 hours of sunlight ensures the best flowering and fruiting.

Optimal site conditions:

  • Well-drained soil (loamy or sandy)
  • pH: slightly acidic to neutral (6.0–7.0)
  • Airflow: good circulation reduces fungal issues
  • Space: allow for a 20–25 ft canopy

2. Soil Preparation

Although adaptable, Lavalle Hawthorn grows best in soil amended with:

  • Compost
  • Leaf mold
  • A small amount of coarse sand (for drainage)

Avoid waterlogged areas — hawthorns dislike wet feet.

3. Planting Instructions

Best planting time: Early spring or fall.

Steps:

  1. Dig a hole 2× as wide as the root ball and the same depth.
  2. Loosen the roots slightly.
  3. Set the tree at the same depth as it grew in its nursery container.
  4. Backfill and gently tamp the soil.
  5. Water deeply.
  6. Mulch with 2–3 inches of bark or wood chips (keep mulch off the trunk).

4. Watering Needs

  • First year: Keep soil consistently moist.
  • After establishment: Extremely drought-tolerant; water during long dry periods only.

5. Fertilizing

Feed once per year in early spring with:

  • Balanced slow-release fertilizer (10-10-10 or similar)
  • Or organic alternatives like compost or well-rotted manure

Avoid over-fertilizing: hawthorns grow best with moderate nutrients.

6. Pruning

Minimal pruning is required.
Best time: Late winter or very early spring before growth starts.

Remove:

  • Crossing branches
  • Broken/damaged limbs
  • Suckers or water sprouts

Aim to maintain an open structure for airflow.

Propagation of Lavalle Hawthorn

Lavalle Hawthorn is a hybrid; therefore, seed propagation does not produce true-to-type offspring. To maintain the same characteristics, use vegetative methods.

1. Propagation by Softwood Cuttings

Best for home gardeners.

When: Late spring to early summer
How:

  1. Take 6–8 inch softwood cuttings.
  2. Remove lower leaves.
  3. Dip in rooting hormone.
  4. Insert into a mix of perlite + peat or coarse sand.
  5. Keep under high humidity (propagation dome or misting).
  6. Rooting takes 4–8 weeks.

2. Propagation by Hardwood Cuttings

When: Winter
Method:

  • Take dormant wood cuttings 8–10 inches long
  • Insert in a sandy, well-drained medium
  • Rooting may take several months

3. Grafting (Most Reliable)

Commercial growers often use whip-and-tongue or cleft grafting onto compatible hawthorn rootstocks.

Grafting ensures:

  • Uniform growth
  • Predictable disease resistance
  • Consistent fruit and ornamental traits

Lavalle Hawthorn Varieties and Related Cultivars

Lavalle Hawthorn is a specific hybrid rather than a cultivar group, but several closely related or improved selections are used in landscaping:

1. Crataegus × lavallei ‘Carrierei’

  • The most popular form
  • Larger, more persistent fruit
  • Superior fall color
  • Widely planted in urban landscapes

2. Crataegus crus-galli var. inermis (Thornless Cockspur Hawthorn)

Not the same species, but used as an alternative in thorn-sensitive settings.

3. Crataegus phaenopyrum (Washington Hawthorn)

Another excellent fruiting hawthorn with similar ornamental value.

While the Lavalle hybrid doesn’t have many separate named varieties, the ‘Carrierei’ form is often what gardeners refer to when they say “Lavalle Hawthorn.”

Uses of Lavalle Hawthorn

Lavalle Hawthorn is valued for both ornamental and practical uses.

1. Landscaping and Ornamentation

  • Gorgeous fall foliage
  • Attractive spring flowers
  • Winter interest thanks to persistent fruit
  • Works well as:
    • A specimen tree
    • A small shade tree
    • A street or urban tree
    • A wildlife-friendly addition to naturalized areas

Its strong resistance to leaf spot also makes it easier than many traditional hawthorn species.

2. Wildlife Habitat

The tree supports:

  • Birds (especially cedar waxwings, robins)
  • Pollinators
  • Small mammals

Fruit persists into winter — a crucial food source.

3. Edible & Medicinal Uses

While not as commonly used as European hawthorns, Lavalle Hawthorn fruit is:

  • Edible (though bland when raw)
  • Suitable for:
    • Jellies and jams
    • Hawthorn tea
    • Syrups
    • Herbal preparations traditionally used to support heart health

Leaves and flowers are also used in some traditional herbal practices.

Note: Always consult qualified professionals before consuming herbal preparations.

4. Natural Fencing or Screening

Though less thorny than some hawthorn species, Lavalle Hawthorn still forms a protective barrier if planted in rows.

How to Harvest Lavalle Hawthorn Fruit

Harvest Season

  • Late fall (October–November)
  • Fruit may persist well into winter; harvest before deep freezes for best quality.

How to Harvest

  1. Wait until the fruit turns orange-red and softens slightly.
  2. Use pruning shears or pick by hand.
  3. Avoid crushed or spotted fruit.
  4. Store in a cool, dry place or refrigerate.

Post-Harvest Use

You can:

  • Freeze the fruit
  • Dry it for teas
  • Cook into syrup, jelly, or compote
  • Use fresh in wildlife feeders

Common Problems and How to Prevent Them

Lavalle Hawthorn is generally low-maintenance but may encounter:

1. Aphids

Cause sticky residue and leaf distortion.
Solution: Reduce with strong water spray or horticultural soap.

2. Scale Insects

Appear as small bumps on branches.
Solution: Dormant oil application in winter.

3. Leaf Spot (Rare)

Hybrid resistance is strong.
Solution: Improve airflow; prune overcrowded branches.

4. Fire Blight

A potential issue during warm, humid seasons.
Solution: Prune out infected wood well below the affected area.

Conclusion: Why Grow Lavalle Hawthorn?

Lavalle Hawthorn (Crataegus × lavallei) is an exceptional choice for gardeners seeking a small ornamental tree with multi-season beauty, persistent fruit, excellent disease resistance, and wildlife value. With proper planting, minimal care, and simple pruning, this hybrid hawthorn will reward you with decades of vibrant foliage, flowers, and fruit.

Whether you want to enhance your landscape, support pollinators, or harvest small batches of fruit for traditional uses, Lavalle Hawthorn is a hardy and reliable addition to any garden.