How to identify Black hawthorn (Crataegus douglasii)

How to identify Black hawthorn (Crataegus douglasii)

Black hawthorn, also known as Douglas' hawthorn

Black hawthorn typically reaches a stature of approximately 25 feet (7.6 meters) in height and is characterized by long, straight thorns. This species displays dense clusters of white flowers that are conspicuous against the foliage. In the fall, black hawthorn produces edible fruit that garners attention. The leaves are generally broad and may exhibit serrated margins, offering a distinctive texture. Black hawthorn's robust presence is often recognized through these defining features.

Lifespan: Perennial

Plant Type: Shrub

Leaf Type: Deciduous

Quickly Identify Black hawthorn

Thorny stems up to 1 inch long, distinctive against smooth bark.

White flowers in clustered corymbs, attracting midges and butterflies.

Edible, globular fruit ripening from red to almost black, containing five seeds.

Oval leaves with serrated margins, pinnate veins, dark green upper surface.

Relatively thin bark scaling into narrow, shaggy patterns, dark grey to brown.

Detailed Traits of Black hawthorn

Leaf Features

The leaves of black hawthorn are typically oval or wedge-shaped, measuring between 2 to 3 inches (5 to 7.5 cm) in length. They exhibit a distinctive notched or serrated margin, contributing to their unique texture. The leaves are usually dark green on the upper surface and lighter underneath. The vein pattern is prominently visible, running in a pinnate arrangement from the central midrib to the edges. This robust vein structure provides both support and an effective means for nutrient transport.

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Flower Features

The flowers of black hawthorn are fragrant, five-petaled, and white, measuring around 1/2 inch (1.3 cm) in diameter. They feature cup-shaped bases and bloom in flat-topped clusters known as corymbs, typically consisting of 10-12 flowers. These clusters rise from the leaf axils and branch ends, appearing mid to late spring. The flowers have an unpleasant fragrance, which effectively attracts pollinators such as midges and butterflies.

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Stem Features

The stem of black hawthorn is characterized by its robust, woody structure, adorned with thorny branches that can extend up to 1 inch (2.5 cm) in length. The bark is smooth and dark gray to brown, maturing to a rougher texture with age. The stems are moderately thick, exhibiting a branching pattern that is both dense and semi-upright. These distinctive thorns and the stem's durable texture make it an easily recognizable feature of the plant.

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Fruit Features

The fruit of black hawthorn is a striking feature, emerging as globular structures that can reach up to 1/2 inch (about 1.3 cm) in diameter. Initially, these fruits present a vivid red hue, which gradually deepens to an almost black tone by late summer. They possess an edible quality but are often found fallen, shriveling into a raisin-like texture by late fall. Each fruit encases about five sizable seeds at its core, a key identifier for those observing its internal structure.

Learn About the Fruit Glossary

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Black hawthorn and Their Similar Plants

Cockspur hawthorn vs. Black hawthorn: What's The Difference?

Cockspur hawthorn (Crataegus crus-galli) is a deciduous tree that will grow from 8 to 9 m tall. It is low-branched and dense with thorns and dark green leaves. It blooms white flowers that emit an unpleasant scent. Cockspur hawthorn foliage changes color from green to bronze to purple.

Chinese haw vs. Black hawthorn: What's The Difference?

Chinese haw is a tiny tree endemic to Eastern Asia. This variety is similar to apples, has fewer small thorns, and is more erect than other Hawthorns. Birds are enticed by its edible fruits. The flowers have an aromatic scent when first opened, but also emit a rotting, fish-like scent that attracts midges, its primary source of fertilization.

Frosted hawthorn vs. Black hawthorn: What's The Difference?

Frosted hawthorn (Crataegus pruinosa) is a plant that's native to North America everywhere except for Mexico. The name its best known by is "frosted hawthorn." It flourishes in full to partial sun and in conditions that are moderately moist to somewhat dry.

Parsley Hawthorn vs. Black hawthorn: What's The Difference?

Parsley Hawthorn (Crataegus marshallii) is a deciduous tree with parsley-like foliage that gives it its name. Produces white flowers in spring followed by small bright red berries and seeds that provide food for birds and small animals. The tree offers shelter to wildlife. Native in low wet areas and can tolerate some flooding.

Eastern mayhaw vs. Black hawthorn: What's The Difference?

Eastern mayhaw (Crataegus aestivalis) is a deciduous shrub that will grow from 9 to 12 m tall and 8 m wide. It blooms in spring with showy clusters of white flowers. Red fruits ripen in summer. Fruit can be eaten raw or cooked. Thrives in full sun to partial shade in moist or wet soil.

Washington hawthorn vs. Black hawthorn: What's The Difference?

Washington hawthorn is a North American native tree that, despite being named for the state of Washington, actually originates from nearby North Carolina. It was first introduced to Pennsylvania from Washington, thus earning its common name. Its dense, thorny growth and ability to withstand pruning make it a good protective hedging plant.

Green hawthorn vs. Black hawthorn: What's The Difference?

The green hawthorn is a smaller tree or a larger shrub that's often used in landscaping and ornamental gardening. It blooms with white flowers followed by red berries. The berries persist into winter, making an important food source for a number of birds.

Big-fruit hawthorn vs. Black hawthorn: What's The Difference?

Crataegus macrosperma, the bigfruit hawthorn is a species of hawthorn native to most of the eastern United States and adjacent Canada, though uncommon at lower altitudes in the south. It is sometimes misidentified as C. flabellata. It is one of the earliest hawthorns to bloom in spring.

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Key Facts About Black hawthorn

Attributes of Black hawthorn

Lifespan

Perennial

Plant Type

Shrub

Plant Height

1.8 m to 5 m

Spread

8 m

Fruit Color

Red

Black

Burgundy

Stem Color

Silver

Red

Gray

Burgundy

Leaf type

Deciduous

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Scientific Classification of Black hawthorn

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Dicotyledons

Order

Roses, elms, figs, and allies

Family

Rose

Genus

Hawthorns

Species

Black hawthorn (Crataegus douglasii)

Learn More About the Black hawthorn

Distribution Map of Black hawthorn

Black hawthorn is native to the temperate regions of North America and has been introduced to parts of Northern Europe. It has been able to adapt beyond its natural range, indicating a success in both wild and cultivated contexts. The spread of black hawthorn shows a resilience that allows for growth under varied climatic conditions found across these major regions.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Potentially invasive

Exotic

No species reported

Learn More About the Black hawthorn

A Comprehensive Guide to Black hawthorn How to Grow and Care for Black hawthorn