ExplorePlants

Black Hawthorn

Crataegus douglasii

The Black Hawthorn is a small tree or shrub with beautiful white flowers in spring and dark berries in the fall. It provides food for birds and other animals, making it a great part of nature!

Habitat: Forests

Appearance

The Black Hawthorn is a thorny shrub or small tree with glossy green leaves and small white flower clusters. Its most distinguishing feature is the dark purple, almost black, berry-like fruits that mature in late summer.

KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderRosalesFamilyRosaceaeGenusCrataegus
Black Hawthorn
deciduous trait badgeflowering trait badgeshrub trait badgespring_blooming trait badge
Black Hawthorn

Category

Plants

Rarity

Common

Danger

2/5 · Low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

Despite its thorns, indigenous peoples traditionally ate the berries raw or made them into cakes.

Its berries, called 'haws,' start red and ripen to a shiny, deep purple-black color!

Some hawthorn trees can live for hundreds of years, making them ancient giants of the forest!

The Black Hawthorn is a resilient tree, often one of the first plants to grow back after a forest fire.

Special abilities

Ability

Thorn Armor

Black Hawthorn has sharp, woody thorns that help defend its branches and young shoots from hungry herbivores like deer.

Ability

Berry Bounty

Black Hawthorn can produce abundant dark berries, providing essential food for many birds and mammals, helping to spread its seeds.

Ability

Tough Roots

Black Hawthorn has a strong root system that allows it to grow in diverse soils and helps prevent erosion along riverbanks.

Measurements & details

Height
300-1000 cm
Spread
300-800 cm
Flower Size
1-1.5 cm
Bloom Season
Late spring to early summer
Edible
Yes
Toxicity
None
Lifecycle
Perennial
Pollination Method
Insect

Ecological connections

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

2/5 · Low

Be careful of the sharp thorns on the branches!

Frequently Asked Questions

How tall is Black Hawthorn?

300-1000 cm

How wide does Black Hawthorn spread?

300-800 cm

How big are the flowers on Black Hawthorn?

1-1.5 cm

When does Black Hawthorn bloom?

Late spring to early summer

Is Black Hawthorn edible?

Yes

Is Black Hawthorn toxic?

None

What is Black Hawthorn's lifecycle?

Perennial

How is Black Hawthorn pollinated?

Insect

Snap Map

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Where to spot

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