Black Hawthorn

(Crataegus douglasii)

Black Hawthorn (Crataegus douglasii)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Crataegus douglasii, commonly known as Black Hawthorn, is a deciduous shrub or small tree native to the moist riparian zones, open forests, and stream banks of western North America, particularly in the Pacific Northwest. It typically grows to 8–9 meters (26–30 feet) tall with a trunk diameter of up to 10 centimeters (4 inches). The plant has a compact, erect, and bushy form, with fan-shaped green leaves and thorns that are 1–2.5 cm long along the branches. In late spring to early summer, it produces showy clusters of white flowers with greenish centers at the ends of the branches. The flowers give way to blackish pomes, about 1 cm across, each containing 3–5 hard seeds, which are attractive to birds and other wildlife.

Black Hawthorn is valued for its wildlife-friendly attributes, including its flowers that provide nectar for pollinators and its fruit that serves as a food source for birds. It is used in native plant gardens, as a hedging plant, and for erosion control due to its dense root system. In cultivation, it prefers full sun to part shade and adapts to a range of soil types, though it thrives best in medium to moist conditions with good drainage. While it is relatively low-maintenance, it can be susceptible to fungal diseases such as rust and leaf spot. Gardeners should be aware of its thorny branches when planting in areas with pedestrian traffic.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Shrub, Tree
  • Height: 10-25 feet
  • Width: 10-25 feet
  • Growth Rate: Moderate
  • Flower Color: White
  • Flowering Season: Spring
  • Leaf Retention: Deciduous

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
  • Water: Medium, High
  • Drainage: Medium, Fast

Common Uses

Bank Stabilization, Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Drought Tolerant, Edible*Disclaimer: Easyscape's listed plant edibility is for informational use. Always verify the safety and proper identification of any plant before consumption., Erosion Control, Fire Resistant, Fragrant, Hedges, Hummingbird Garden, Low Maintenance, Showy Flowers, Street Planting

Natural Habitat

Moist riparian zones, open forests, and stream banks in western North America

Other Names

Common Names: Douglas’ Thornapple, Western Thornapple, River Hawthorn, Douglas’ Hawthorn, Aubépine De Douglas, Aubépine Du Columbia, Aubépine Noire, Douglashagtorn

Scientific Names: , Crataegus douglasii, Crataegus columbiana, Crataegus sanguinea, Crataegus rivularis, Crataegus douglasii var. douglasii, Crataegus tennowana, Crataegus brevispina, Crataegus douglasii f. badia, Crataegus columbiana var. columbiana

GBIF Accepted Name: Crataegus douglasii Lindl.