Lemington Hawthorn: A Mysterious Native Shrub Worth Investigating
Meet the Lemington hawthorn (Crataegus lemingtonensis), a native North American shrub that’s as elusive as it is intriguing. If you’re the type of gardener who loves a good botanical mystery, this perennial woody plant might just capture your imagination—though getting your hands on one might prove to be quite the adventure!
What Exactly Is Lemington Hawthorn?
Lemington hawthorn is a multi-stemmed shrub that typically grows to be less than 13-16 feet tall, though it can sometimes surprise you by reaching greater heights or developing a single trunk under the right conditions. Like other members of the hawthorn family, it’s built to last as a perennial, meaning it’ll stick around your garden year after year once established.
Where Does It Call Home?
This native beauty has quite the cross-border appeal! Lemington hawthorn is native to both Canada and the lower 48 United States, with confirmed populations in Quebec, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Vermont. It’s clearly a fan of the northeastern corner of North America, where it has adapted to the regional climate and growing conditions.
The Great Lemington Hawthorn Mystery
Here’s where things get interesting (and a bit puzzling): Lemington hawthorn appears to be an exceptionally rare species, with very limited documentation in botanical literature. This rarity presents both an opportunity and a challenge for native plant enthusiasts.
If you’re dead set on adding this particular hawthorn to your landscape, you’ll want to:
- Work only with reputable native plant nurseries
- Ensure any plant material is responsibly and ethically sourced
- Verify the plant’s identity before purchasing
- Consider contributing to conservation efforts if you do locate specimens
Growing Conditions and Care
While specific growing requirements for Lemington hawthorn aren’t well-documented, we can make some educated guesses based on its native range and habitat. Given its presence across the northeastern United States and southeastern Canada, it likely prefers:
- Moderate to cold winter climates
- Well-draining soils
- Full sun to partial shade exposure
- Regular moisture, especially during establishment
As with most native shrubs, once established, it should be relatively low-maintenance and adapted to local precipitation patterns.
Should You Plant Lemington Hawthorn?
The honest answer? It’s complicated. While supporting native plants is always admirable, the extreme rarity of this species means you might have trouble even finding it for sale. Additionally, without more detailed information about its specific needs and characteristics, successful cultivation could be challenging.
If you’re passionate about native hawthorns but can’t track down Lemington hawthorn, consider these more readily available native alternatives:
- Downy hawthorn (Crataegus mollis)
- Black hawthorn (Crataegus douglasii)
- Cockspur hawthorn (Crataegus crus-galli)
The Bottom Line
Lemington hawthorn represents one of those fascinating botanical puzzles that keep plant enthusiasts on their toes. While its rarity makes it a challenging addition to most gardens, its status as a native species makes it worth preserving and studying. If you do encounter this elusive shrub, consider yourself lucky—and remember to source it responsibly!
For most gardeners, focusing on other well-documented native hawthorns might be a more practical approach to supporting local ecosystems while still enjoying the beauty and benefits these wonderful shrubs provide.
