To effortlessly attract birds and butterflies, consider planting a versatile deciduous tree. The green hawthorn (Crataegus viridis) is an excellent native choice for a wildlife-friendly garden. This attractive tree captures the interest of birds, butterflies, and people throughout the year. In spring, it displays small clusters of white flowers that produce nectar, making it a valuable addition for supporting butterflies and pollinators in your garden. Come fall, you’ll enjoy the vibrant scarlet leaves, and songbirds will be drawn to your green hawthorn during the autumn and winter months. From September, the small red fruits, known as pomes, begin to ripen, providing essential nourishment for migratory birds during the chilly winter season.
Cultivating green hawthorn is relatively straightforward due to its resilience in various soil types, ranging from sandy loam to clay. In its natural environment, the tree thrives on prairies and open woodlands, where it becomes a favorite for all kinds of birds and butterflies. In addition to being a rich nectar source, green hawthorn serves as a host plant for the larvae of several butterfly species, including the King’s hairstreak and soapberry hairstreak. Birds also find ample shelter within its dense branches, making it an excellent choice for encouraging nesting in your yard.
Choosing the Best Spot for Green Hawthorn in Your Yard
Planting green hawthorn is a simple birdscaping tip to transform your garden into a bird sanctuary. However, selecting the right location is crucial for optimal growth. This small to medium-sized tree can reach a height of 20 to 35 feet, making it suitable for landscaped areas and confined spaces like smaller residential properties and parks. Although native to the southeastern U.S., green hawthorn thrives in USDA hardiness zones 4 through 7. With full sun and well-drained soil in these areas, the tree will bloom profusely starting in March and produce small fruits in the fall.
One important aspect to consider is the tree’s distinctive scent. It’s essential to choose a location that benefits butterflies and birds without being unpleasant to human senses. While the tree is beautiful, it emits an odor similar to a rotting corpse, which is meant to attract midges that help pollinate it. Despite this smell, green hawthorn is regarded as a beneficial tree due to its higher resistance to diseases compared to other hawthorn varieties, particularly the popular ‘Winter King’ cultivar. Consequently, it can be an ideal landscape tree for those aiming to enhance their yard with a focus on attracting birds and pollinators.
