Kennedy’s Hawthorn: A Rare Vermont Native Worth Knowing About
If you’re a native plant enthusiast always on the hunt for something truly special, you might have stumbled across the name Crataegus ×kennedyi, commonly known as Kennedy’s hawthorn. This perennial tree is quite the mystery in the gardening world, and for good reason – it’s about as elusive as a unicorn in your backyard!
What Makes Kennedy’s Hawthorn Special?
Kennedy’s hawthorn is a native tree species found in the lower 48 states, though its documented presence is limited to Vermont. The × in its botanical name tells us this is a hybrid hawthorn, meaning it’s the result of two different hawthorn species getting cozy and creating something new. Like other hawthorns, this tree is a woody perennial that typically grows as a single-trunked specimen, reaching heights greater than 13-16 feet under normal conditions.
Where Does It Call Home?
Currently, Kennedy’s hawthorn is documented as growing in Vermont, making it a true New England specialty. Its limited geographic distribution adds to its mystique and potential rarity.
Should You Plant Kennedy’s Hawthorn?
Here’s where things get tricky. While this native tree sounds appealing in theory, the lack of readily available information about Kennedy’s hawthorn raises some red flags for home gardeners. We simply don’t have enough documented details about:
- Specific growing requirements and soil preferences
- USDA hardiness zones where it thrives
- Wildlife and pollinator benefits
- Mature size and growth rate
- Availability from nurseries
- Conservation status or rarity concerns
The Bottom Line for Gardeners
While Kennedy’s hawthorn is undoubtedly an interesting native species, the scarcity of information and extremely limited distribution suggest this might not be the best choice for most home gardeners. If you’re determined to grow native hawthorns in your landscape, consider these better-documented alternatives:
- Downy Hawthorn (Crataegus mollis)
- Black Hawthorn (Crataegus douglasii)
- Common Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna) – though not native
These alternatives offer similar aesthetic appeal with much better-understood growing requirements and proven garden performance.
If You’re Still Curious
Should you encounter Kennedy’s hawthorn in the wild or find a reputable source offering it, remember that any rare native plant should be acquired only from responsible, ethical suppliers who practice sustainable propagation. Never collect from wild populations, and always verify that you’re getting authentic Crataegus ×kennedyi and not a mislabeled common hawthorn.
Sometimes the most interesting plants are the ones that remain a little mysterious. Kennedy’s hawthorn certainly fits that bill, reminding us that there’s still so much to discover in the world of native plants – even in our own backyards!
