Black Hawthorne

Black Hawthorn (Crataegus douglasii) is a versatile native tree that brings something different to the landscape throughout the year. In spring, clusters of white flowers cover the branches and draw in pollinators. Later in the season, small fruits develop and eventually darken to nearly black, providing an important food source for birds and other wildlife. Its foliage also adds interest through the growing season before dropping in fall.

With its dense branching and naturally thorny stems, Black Hawthorn can work well as a small specimen tree, an informal screen, or as part of a native planting. It has a naturally somewhat wild appearance, especially when allowed to sucker and form a thicket, so it is best given plenty of room rather than treated like a tightly controlled ornamental. Once established, it can handle periods of dryness, although it performs best with more consistent moisture.