Black Hawthorn
crataegus douglasii
Also known as: ["Douglas Hawthorn","Black Thorn"]
Overview
A deciduous shrub or small tree native to western North America, known for its thorny branches, white flowers, and blackish berries.
Benefits & Perks
["wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","drought tolerant","aesthetic foliage"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Rosales |
| Family: | Rosaceae |
| Genus: | Crataegus |
| Botanical Name: | Crataegus douglasii |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Trees
- Suitable Location: outdoor garden, adaptable to various soil types
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"–25–35°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"3–7"}
- Misting: rarely required
- Drainage: Moderate to fast-draining.
- Soil Type: Well-draining loamy soil with organic matter. Tolerates poor soils but thrives with added compost.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: high
- Pruning Frequency: Annually in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate, removing up to one-third of old wood to rejuvenate the plant.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun to partial shade (4–6 hours of direct sunlight daily). Tolerates light shade but may produce fewer flowers and fruits.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually to intense sunlight to prevent scorching. In hot climates, provide afternoon shade. Indoors, place near a south-facing window with filtered light.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderateModerate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Rotate plant for even light exposure; use sheer curtains to filter intense sun; avoid direct afternoon sun in summer.
Watering
every 7–10 days during growing season, less frequently in winter
Water thoroughly but infrequently to encourage deep root growth; allow soil to dry partially between waterings; avoid waterlogging.
Soil
well-drained, loamy soil with moderate fertility
pH: Adaptable, but prefers slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds; avoid heavy clay soils unless amended; test soil pH periodically.
Temperature
Hardy in USDA zones 4–8. Prefers cool to moderate temperatures (60–75°F or 15–24°C). Tolerates cold winters but requires a period of dormancy.
Protect from late frosts; ensure winter dormancy; avoid placing near heat sources indoors.
Fertilizing
every 3–4 months during spring and summer
Avoid over-fertilizing to prevent excessive vegetative growth; fertilize only if growth is poor; stop feeding in late summer.
Propagation
Methods
Softwood or semi-hardwood cuttings taken in summer; also from seeds, though germination can be slow and erratic.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take 4–6 inch cuttings.
- Remove lower leaves.
- Dip in rooting hormone.
- Plant in medium.
- Maintain humidity.
- Transplant when rooted.
Best Time: Late spring to early summer for cuttings; autumn for seeds (stratification required for seeds).
Environment
High humidity (70–90%), warm temperatures (70–75°F or 21–24°C), and indirect light for cuttings.
Medium
Well-draining medium like perlite and peat moss mix for cuttings; sterile seed-starting mix for seeds.
Hormone
Rooting hormone is recommended for cuttings to improve success rates.
Timeline
Cuttings may root in 4–8 weeks; seed germination can take several months with cold stratification.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, propagation tray, humidity dome, well-draining medium.
Quick Tips
Use sharp, sterile tools; maintain consistent moisture; provide bottom heat for faster rooting.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Thinning cuts to remove entire branches back to the trunk or main branch; heading cuts to shorten branches.
Pruning Plan
Prune to maintain shape, remove dead or diseased wood, and encourage air circulation to prevent disease.
Tools
Pruning shears, loppers, saw (for larger branches), sterilizing solution.
Checklist
Sterilize tools; prune during dormancy; remove dead/diseased wood; thin crowded branches; shape the plant.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before active growth starts.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 2–3 inches in diameter for container plants.
Method
Gently remove the plant; trim any circling roots; place in a slightly larger pot with fresh, well-draining soil; water thoroughly.
Suggestions
Not typically required for outdoor plants. Container-grown plants may need repotting every 2–3 years if root-bound.
Checklist
Choose appropriate pot size; use fresh soil mix; trim roots if necessary; water after repotting; place in appropriate light.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply; ensure proper drainage; adjust frequency seasonally.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone. Apply until water drains from the bottom, then stop to prevent saturation. Water early in the morning to minimize evaporation.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once every 1–2 weeks during active growth, reducing frequency in winter to once a month or less. Adjust based on rainfall and soil moisture retention.
Soil Improvement
Add compost or well-rotted manure to enhance fertility and structure; incorporate perlite or sand for drainage.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Chlorosis or leaf drop in excessive heat; dieback or delayed bud break in insufficient cold exposure.
Cold Stress
Low temperatures slow growth and induce dormancy, which is necessary for fruiting. Prolonged freezing without acclimation can damage buds and twigs.
Solution: Plant in a sheltered location; use mulch to insulate roots; avoid late-season fertilization to prevent tender growth.
Hot Stress
Excessive heat can cause leaf scorch, wilting, and reduced flowering. Stress may lead to premature fruit drop.
Solution: Provide afternoon shade; increase watering during heatwaves; use reflective mulch to reduce soil temperature.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use balanced fertilizer; apply in early spring; avoid late-season feeding; follow package instructions.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring before new growth emerges. Apply sparingly, as Crataegus species are not heavy feeders.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Slightly ToxicCats are more sensitive to cyanogenic glycosides than dogs. Ingestion of Crataegus douglasii berries may cause mild to moderate gastrointestinal upset and potential systemic effects due to their smaller size and different metabolic processes.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Slightly ToxicThe berries of Crataegus douglasii contain cyanogenic glycosides, which can cause mild gastrointestinal upset in dogs if ingested in significant amounts. While generally not life-threatening, ingestion may lead to discomfort.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Slightly ToxicCrataegus douglasii, commonly known as Douglas hawthorn, contains small amounts of cyanogenic glycosides in its berries. These compounds can release cyanide upon digestion, leading to mild gastrointestinal distress and potential systemic effects if consumed in large quantities.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are the berries of Crataegus douglasii edible?
A: The berries are mildly toxic to humans and should not be consumed raw, though they can be cooked into preserves.
Q: How tall does Crataegus douglasii grow?
A: It typically grows to 10–15 feet tall, sometimes reaching 25 feet in ideal conditions.
Q: Does this plant attract wildlife?
A: Yes, it attracts bees, butterflies, and birds, making it a valuable addition to wildlife gardens.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Rosaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during growi |
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