Description

Crataegus douglasii

Large deciduous shrubs or small tree up to 10 m tall with thorns up to 3 cm long. Is considered very useful for all sorts of tools. White flowers from May till June that attract butterflies.

Height: 2 – 10m

Edible: Y

Medicine: Y

Other Uses: Y

Poisonous: N

Soil: any kind of soil and acidity

Watering: wet

Sun: prefers full sun but can be in partial shade

Usually found at: sea level to mid elevations south of Fort St. John, along watercourses and meadowland thickets.

Pollinators & wildlife: butterflies

Ornamental: white flowers from May till June

 

Leaves: thick, leathery, 3-6 cm long

Flowers: white, saucer-shaped flowers in flat-topped clusters. Bloom in May and June, stinky.

Berries: clusters of small, blackish “apples” (haws) that wither quickly when ripe.

First Nations uses: the thorns of black hawthorn have many practical uses, including prongs on rakes used for catching herring, lances for probing boils, or for piercing ears, for fish hooks and for playing pieces for games. Black hawthorn wood is very hard and is traditionally fashioned into tool handles and weapons. A winter dance face paint is made from grease and hawthorn charcoal. the dry, seedy fruits are eaten by many coastal groups both fresh and dried, often with oil or grease. They are not highly regarded, however. The bark of black hawthorn is known to be used to treat venereal disease, thin the blood, strengthen the heart, or reduce swellings, and it is used in steam baths. The Thompson and Okanagan peoples use the thorns to pierce ears. The Lillooet and Gitksan people are known to make fish hooks from them.

 

Note: Native plant sales are pick-up only at Suwa’lkh School (1432 Brunette Ave in Coquitlam). Email suwa’lkh@freshroots.ca for more information.