Native to southern China, Indian Hawthorn is a popular landscape shrub due to the natural ability to stay at a manageable size, spring blooms, and attractive berries in the fall. If there was any drawback to the hawthorns, it would be that deer prefer them to any other plant when dining in everyone’s backyard. ‘Clara’ forms a natural mound shape, no more than five feet tall.Indian Hawthorn leaves are alternate and leathery to the touch, with serrated margins. ‘Clara’ is a cultivar with foliage emerging reddish-copper, turning dark green with age. The pink flower buds actually open white, no more than ¾” in diameter and appearing in clusters. Pome fruits that follow in the fall are dark purple to black, attracting birds. Hawthorns prefer well drained soils, and can tolerate poor quality soil and even drought once established.