This year the Leon County Adopt-a-Tree Program is going to give away a small native tree called the yellowleaf hawthorn, also known as the yellow haw. There are many species of hawthorn and they are often difficult to tell apart. The yellowleaf is the most common and abundant of the hawthorns found growing in this part of Florida.  

The yellowleaf hawthorn, Cretaegus flava, is a small spreading deciduous tree that grows from 20 to 30 feet tall.  Like other hawthorns, it has a pretty flower in the spring, with pink buds that develop into flowers that range from pinkish white to white in color. The effect is a somewhat showy plant that blooms later in the spring when many of our other flowering trees are finished for the year. 

Some hawthorns are very thorny, but the yellowleaf often has few thorns, and some individuals have none at all. Nonetheless, it should never be planted in high use areas. It is excellent for use in environmental plantings, makes a lovely small specimen tree, and can enhance any shrub and tree border. It provides good food and shelter for wildlife. The yellowleaf has year-round interest with white spring flowers, dark green summer leaves, yellow fall color, and angular form in winter.

This tree prefers a well-drained moisture retentive loamy soil but is not at all fussy.  It grows well in a variety of soils from light sandy to heavy clay soils. Once established, it tolerates drought well. A location in full sun is best when plants are being grown for their fruit. They also succeed in semi-shade (light woodland) though fruit yields and quality will be lower in such a location.  

Its fruit, raw or cooked is said to be well-flavored and is highly esteemed as a wild fruit gathered for making jelly. The red, yellow or purplish colored fruit is pear-shaped and borne in small clusters. 

Herbal folk medicine claims hawthorns as a heart tonic. Recently, a chemical compound has been extracted from yellow haw that could possibly have medicinal uses.  

Yellowleaf hawthorn wood is heavy, hard, tough and close-grained. The tree grows to a size that makes it useful for tool handles, mallets and other small items. 

If you decide you want a yellowleaf hawthorn, the county will plant one tree per household. The tree must be placed between your house and the road, so that it will be visible to others.  To let the county know that you want a tree, Leon County Right-of-Way Management Superintendent, Tom Jackson says to follow the instructions from the coupon in the County Link in the Tallahassee Democrat in December. Alternatively, go to the County's web site at www.leoncountyfl.gov and click on Adopt-A-Tree under "Spotlights" to request a tree on-line. Coupons are also available at the Leon County Public Works Center at 2280 Miccosukee Road. If you request a tree you will need to put a wooden stake where you want the tree placed. If there is no stake, the county planting crew will pick a good spot.   

Remember to keep the tree well watered and mulched, especially in the beginning of its life.  Mulch should be 2-4 inches deep, but not up against the tree trunk.  Water the tree by soaking the root ball three times per week unless we are receiving good rainfall.