A beautiful small tree, Washington Hawthorn features lovely clusters of fragrant spring flowers and orange-red fall berries edible raw or cooked and hanging in groups along the branches.
 
     A member of the Rose family, Hawthorn's leaves emerge reddish purple before turning a glossy green and then bright shades of orange, red and purple in the fall.
 
     Washington Hawthorn has impressive thorns, about 3 inches along the trunk and branches.  It responds well to pruning and makes a nice hedge.
 
     Cedar apple rust can be a problem.
 
     Photos: Frank Richard; Creative Commons