Discover the unique beauty of Crataegus chlorosarca, commonly known as Chlorosarca Hawthorn or Manchurian Hawthorn. This exceptional tree, native to Manchuria and Japan, offers a compact, columnar to pyramidal crown, reaching heights of 20-30 ft, making it perfect for narrow streets and gardens. Its reddish-brown branches, mostly free of thorns, support lush, dark green, broad-oval leaves adorned with 7-11 lobes and irregular serrations. Witness the early emergence of creamy white flowers in May, grouped in elegant corymbs, each bloom delicately structured with twenty stamens and five styles.
Following the flowering season, the tree surprises with a sparse display of round, shiny black fruits, approximately 1 cm in diameter. Young shoots transition from slightly hairy to a deep brown-purple as seasons change, adding visual interest throughout the year. This hardy species thrives in colder climates and is valued for its ornamental appeal, unique foliage, and sturdy wood ideal for tool-making. Rarely cultivated and often confused with other black-fruited hawthorns, Crataegus chlorosarca stands out with its shallow leaf lobes, abrupt leaf points, and finer teeth, making it a distinctive addition to any landscape.