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black hawthorn

Scientific Name: Crataegus douglasii

Family: Rosaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth: Tree, Shrub

Duration: Perennial

Other Names: MN (black hawthorn)

       

Black Hawthorn (Crataegus douglasii)

Crataegus douglasii, commonly known as black hawthorn or Douglas' thornapple, is a native North American hawthorn species.

Considerations for Pets

  • This plant is armed with stout, straight thorns 1 to 2 centimeters long.
  • The fruit produces dark blue to blackish apple-like berries.

Considerations for Children

  • This plant is armed with stout, straight thorns 1 to 2 centimeters long.
  • The fruit produces dark blue to blackish apple-like berries.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Crataegus douglasii Lindl.
  • Family: Rosaceae (Rose Family)
  • Plant Symbol: CRDO2
  • Synonyms: Crataegus douglasii var. rivularis Nutt.
  • Alternative Scientific Names: Cratgus Douglasii Lindl., Cratgus Suksdorfii (Sarg.) Kruschke.
  • Taxonomic Serial Number: 24557

Distribution and Habitat

  • Black hawthorn is native throughout the West and in the mountains throughout Utah.
  • It is found near shorelines, streams, and coastal regions.
  • It is widespread and common in the Pacific Northwest.
  • It is present in Wisconsin, particularly near Lake Superior.

Morphology and Growth Habits

  • Crataegus douglasii is a deciduous tree, growing up to 9 meters (approximately 29.5 feet) tall.
  • It typically matures as a small upright tree to 20-30 feet tall but can also grow as a smaller thicket-forming shrub around 10 feet tall.
  • It can form a shrubby thicket.
  • Leaves are alternate, simple, and broad, measuring 2.5-5 cm long. They are egg-shaped, 1-4 inches long, with doubly serrate or lobed and serrate margins.
  • It features showy, white flowers that bloom in May and June. These flowers give rise to dark blue to blackish fruits.
  • The bark is rough and scaly.
  • Branches are pendulous with dark, shiny, deeply serrated leaves.
  • It is armed with stout, straight thorns, typically 1 to 2 centimeters long (some sources say up to 3 cm).

Additional Information

  • It is hardy to zone (UK) 5 and is not frost tender.
  • It is shade intolerant.

Quirky Facts

  • The text mentions a historical connection between the name "Black Hawthorn" and a steam locomotive manufacturer named Black, Hawthorn and Company located in Gateshead, Tyne and Wear, UK.

Further Information

  • USDA NRCS National Plant Data Center.