Crataegus douglasii (Black Hawthorn)

Crataegus douglasii (Black Hawthorn) is a large shrub or small deciduous tree with a long trunk and a compact, round-topped crown of stout, spreading branches armed with 1 in. long thorns (2.5 cm). They are clothed with shiny, leathery, oval, toothed leaves, 3-5 in. long (7-12 cm). In late spring to early summer, a profusion of unpleasantly scented white flowers held in flat-topped clusters (corymbs) creates a spectacular floral display. They are followed by edible, deep red fruits that ripen to black in late summer and may persist on the tree for an extended period.

Black Hawthorn is an important wildlife plant. Its flowers provide nectar and pollen for pollinators and other insects, while the foliage supports the larvae of several butterflies and moths, including the Gray Hairstreak (Strymon melinus), Red-spotted Purple (Limenitis arthemis astyanax), and Viceroy (Limenitis archippus). 

The foliage may turn attractive shades of red, orange, and yellow in fall before shedding to the ground. Black Hawthorn is a handsome ornamental with its showy white flowers, glossy foliage, and shiny black fruits. Fire tolerant, it is an excellent soil and streambank stabilizer. Its brushy growth form also makes it a useful species for hedges and barriers.

• Grows up to 10-25 ft. tall and wide (3-8 m). It can sprout and sucker to form small, dense, impenetrable thickets.
• A full sun lover, this tree is easily grown in moist to wet soils. It tolerates part shade, but best fruit production occurs in full sun.
• Perfect as a specimen tree for lawns or streets, in native plant gardens, or for erosion control and streambank stabilization.
• Requires only minimal pruning in late winter or early spring to remove damaged, diseased, or misplaced growth.
• Keep an eye out for cedar-hawthorn rust, cedar-quince rust, fire blight, fungal leaf spots, powdery mildew, cankers, apple scab, borers, caterpillars, lace bugs, leafminers, and scale.
• Propagate by seed. Six to eight weeks of moist chilling improves germination of stored seed. Scarification may also be necessary.
• Native to western North America.