Several hawthorn shrubs thrive in our lower yard here in the East Bay, serving alongside hollyleaf cherry shrubs as part of the thick high hedge that stands between the backyard and a busy street. The hawthorn foliage helps absorb traffic sounds, and its long thorns provide security. The shrub survives with almost no water, but starts looking parched by fall and ready for winter rain.
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| Hawthorn (look at those thorns!) |
Hawthorn (Crataegus douglasii) is a thorny shrub that is native to northern and western North America, and grows in various habitats from forest to scrubland. Its form is a compact erect bushy shrub covered in fan-shaped green leaves with teeth along the margin. Thorns grow in right angles along the branches, and can be two inches long. Flowers are white with greenish centers and grow in bunches. The fruit is a dark red to purple berry. Leaves turn yellow or red, providing fall interest.
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| Hawthorn branches against the sky |
The thicket provides protection and nourishment for local wildlife, and the flowers and berries attract birds and butterflies and insects. By day the shrubs bustle with nesting activity, and by night host a chorus of crickets. The hawthorn is an important part of our yard, and the "homegrown national park" envisioned by ecologist Dr. Douglas Tallamy (see Bringing Back the Natives).
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| Hawthorn berries |
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