Black Hawthorn (Crataegus douglasii)

Not to be confused with the invasive European hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna), black hawthorn is native to coastal BC. It is a large, multi-stemmed shrub or small tree up to 30 feet tall, with thorny branches, lovely clusters of white flowers that appear in the spring, and purplish-black edible fruits in late summer to fall. The leaves add colour to the landscape in fall with shades of red, orange and yellow. Black hawthorn is an excellent plant for hedgerows, wildlife habitat, restoration plantings, and erosion control.

Sun Exposure: Full sun, partial shade
Soil & Moisture: Moist to seasonally dry soil. Drought tolerant once established.
Mature Size: 10'-30' tall, 10'-20' wide
Bloom Time: late spring to early summer
Edible: yes
Wildlife Value: Attracts beneficial insects, bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, and other pollinators. Host plant for numerous butterflies and moths. Fruits are eaten by birds and mammals. Provides cover and nesting sites for birds.
Native Range & Habitat: Commonly found in moist, open places; forest edges, riparian areas, thickets, coastal bluffs, and roadsides. Occurs at low to middle elevations from Northern British Columbia south to California, and east to the Rocky Mountains.
Other Names: Douglas hawthorn