Native Plants
Plant Database
Search for native plants by scientific name, common name or family. If you are not sure what you are looking for, try the Combination Search or our Recommended Species lists.
Glase, Terry
Crataegus douglasii
Crataegus douglasii Lindl.
Black Hawthorn
Rosaceae (Rose Family)
Synonym(s): Crataegus columbiana, Crataegus douglasii var. douglasii
USDA Symbol: crdo2
USDA Native Status: L48 (N), AK (N), CAN (N)
A thorny, much-branched shrub or small tree from 6-30 ft. in height. Small tree with compact, rounded crown of stout, spreading branches; often a thicket-forming shrub. Twigs are reddish and bear thick, oval, toothed leaves. White flowers occur in dense, terminal clusters and are followed by blue-black berries.
This species is a handsome ornamental with showy white flowers, glossy foliage, and odd, shiny black fruits. It is named for its discoverer, David Douglas (1798-1834), the Scottish botanical explorer. Cattle and sheep browse the foliage; pheasants, partridges, quail, and other birds consume the berries. The most widespread western member of its genus, Black Hawthorn is also the only species north to southeastern Alaska.
Plant Characteristics
Duration: PerennialHabit: Shrub
Leaf Retention: Deciduous
Fruit Type: Pome
Size Notes: Up to about 30 feet tall.
Leaf: Green
Autumn Foliage: yes
Fruit: Black, Purple
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: WhiteBloom Time: May , Jun
Distribution
USA: AK , CA , ID , MI , MN , MT , ND , NV , OR , SD , UT , WA , WI , WYCanada: AB , BC , ON , SK
Native Distribution: AK to n. CA; widely distributed in the Rockies; also occuring in s.w. Ont., n. MI & MN
Native Habitat: Open woods; rocky stream banks; meadows
Growing Conditions
Water Use: HighLight Requirement: Sun , Part Shade , Shade
Soil Moisture: Moist , Wet
CaCO3 Tolerance: Low
Drought Tolerance: High
Soil Description: Moist soils.
Benefit
Use Wildlife: Only a few birds like the fruit of Crataegus and, consequently, they remain effective for a long time.Warning: Plant has thorns or prickles.
Conspicuous Flowers: yes
Fragrant Flowers: yes
Attracts: Birds , Butterflies
Larval Host: Gray Hairstreak, Mourning Cloak, and Azure Butterflies.
Value to Beneficial Insects
Special Value to Native BeesThis information was provided by the Pollinator Program at The Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation.
Butterflies and Moths of North America (BAMONA)
|
Gray Hairstreak (Strymon melinus)  Larval Host |
Mourning Cloak (Nymphalis antiopa)  Larval Host |
Propagation
Description: Stored/treated seed will germinate. For fresh, dried fruit, soak in water 2-3 days to soften, remove pulp and sow immediately. This gives fair results.Seed Treatment: 6-8 weeks of moist chilling improves germination of stored seed. Scarification may also be necessary.
Find Seed or Plants
Find seed sources for this species at the Native Seed Network.
View propagation protocol from Native Plants Network.
National Wetland Indicator Status
| Region: | AGCP | AK | AW | CB | EMP | GP | HI | MW | NCNE | WMVE |
| Status: | FAC | FAC | FAC | FAC | FAC | FAC |
From the National Organizations Directory
According to the species list provided by Affiliate Organizations, this plant is on display at the following locations:Santa Barbara Botanic Garden - Santa Barbara, CA
Native Seed Network - Corvallis, OR
Bibliography
Bibref 1186 - Field Guide to Moths of Eastern North America (2005) Covell, C.V., Jr.Bibref 1185 - Field Guide to Western Butterflies (Peterson Field Guides) (1999) Opler, P.A. and A.B. Wright
Search More Titles in Bibliography
Web Reference
Webref 30 - Calflora (2018) CalfloraWebref 3 - Flora of North America (2014) Missouri Botanical Garden, St. Louis, MO & Harvard University Herbaria, Cambridge, MA.
Webref 23 - Southwest Environmental Information Network (2009) SEINet - Arizona Chapter
Additional resources
USDA: Find Crataegus douglasii in USDA PlantsFNA: Find Crataegus douglasii in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Crataegus douglasii
Metadata
Record Modified: 2023-05-09Research By: TWC Staff