RIVER HAWTHORN

Crataegus douglasii

Rose Family (Rosaceae)

This small tree of river floodplain communities throughout the region makes an excellent addition to a wildlife-friendly planting. It is strongly armed with sharp, hard thorns, making it a haven for songbirds in a world full of house cats and other predators, and its juicy black berries are much sought after by birds. It also has showy white flowers that are attractive to many native pollinators. River hawthorn can also be a haven for humans. It is suitable for use as a shade tree in small home landscapes because of its small size, usually no more than 20 feet. It has an erect growth form with ascending branches, so that its thorns usually do not attack humans. River hawthorn prefers rich soil and regular water in the summer. It can grow in full sun or partial shade. Good companions include chokecherry, Rocky Mountain maple, and western water birch.