Crataegus douglasii
Black hawthorn
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Family: Rosaceae · Type: Shrub / Tree · Native
Crataegus douglasii (Black hawthorn) is a native California shrub / tree in the Rosaceae family, recognized by 10 stamens vs 20 in C. gaylussacia, glabrous inflorescence.
Black hawthorn is a California native shrub found in the Klamath Ranges, northern Sierra Nevada High Sierra, and northern California regions along streamsides in meadows, scrub, and forest at elevations of 600 to 2,450 meters. Flowering from May to August, this plant produces white flowers approximately 12 to 15 millimeters in diameter with pink anthers. Growing with distinctive thorns 15 to 18 millimeters long, the shrub develops an erect and branching form. Its leaves are elliptic-diamond-shaped to narrow-obovate, typically 3.5 to 6 centimeters long with shallow lobes and a wedge-shaped base. The fruit is a deep purple to black spherical drupe 10 to 12 millimeters in diameter, containing 3 to 4 stones.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 2 sympatric species; distinguished by 10 stamens vs 20 in C. gaylussacia, glabrous inflorescence
Habitat and range
Habitat: Streamsides in meadows, scrub, forest
Elevation: 600-2450 m
Outside California: to British Columbia, Montana, Saskatchewan, Ontario
Bloom period
Crataegus douglasii blooms May-Aug.
How to tell it apart
vs Ribes: Ribes lacks thorns and has maple-scented leaves; Crataegus has sharp thorns and unscented foliage.; vs Pyracantha: Pyracantha has narrow, unlobed evergreen leaves; Crataegus has broad, deeply lobed leaves that drop in fall.; vs Quercus: Quercus lacks thorns and has acorns; Crataegus has sharp thorns and small apple-like fruits.; vs Prunus: Prunus has smooth-edged or finely toothed leaves; Crataegus has prominently lobed leaves beyond the middle.; vs Pyrus: Pyrus has unlobed oval leaves and pear-shaped fruits; Crataegus has deeply lobed leaves and small round fruits.
Frequently asked questions
Is Crataegus douglasii native to California?
Yes. Crataegus douglasii is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Crataegus douglasii bloom?
Crataegus douglasii blooms May-Aug.
What plant family does Crataegus douglasii belong to?
Crataegus douglasii is in the Rosaceae family, genus Crataegus.
What habitat does Crataegus douglasii grow in?
Crataegus douglasii grows in Streamsides in meadows, scrub, forest.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · CalPhotos
Last updated 2026-10-07
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.