Black Hawthorn (Crataegus douglasii): Bundle of 10

Description

Sold in bundles of 10.

At a Glance: A beautiful and versatile small tree that can grow up to 30′ tall and provides lots of food for wildlife and human alike.

Height: 10′-30′ in height
Branches: Pendulous branches with dark, shiny, deeply serrated leaves and sharp thorns 1/2-1″ long 
Leaves: Leathery, dark green leaves with contrasting paler undersides and shallow serrations   
Flowers: Dense clusters of intricate, rose-like flowers.
Fruits: The black berries, or haws, are edible and make tasty pies and preserves.

Appeal: In restoration, the deep roots stabilize the soil. In the garden, this tree is beautiful and attracts birds, butterflies, and ladybugs. Berries are delicious when ripe. Once fully established, hawthorns are drought resistant while also tolerating brief periods of flooding.

Ethnobotany: First Nations people historically utilized many parts of this plant. Its strong wood was fashioned into digging sticks and handles for tools and weapons. The razor-sharp thorns were used for piercing ears, lancing boils, and making fish hooks.The bark and shoots were burned and mixed with ashes and grease to concoct black face paint for ritual purposes.

Historically, hawthorn species were used or building hedges and many cultivars have adorned ornamental English gardens. The common name for hawthorn comes from an Anglo-Saxon word haguthorn that is translated into “a fence with thorns”. The English affinity for hawthorns extends to the traditional use of its blossoms in May Day celebrations and to poetry where the three often symbolizes the spirit of spring.