Hawthorn is native to the Pacific Northwest (PNW), including Oregon. There are two species of hawthorn that are native to Oregon specifically. These native species are relatively easy to distinguish from other hawthorns by their characteristics, particularly when they have fruit, but it can be more challenging to differentiate them at other times.
One of the native hawthorn species in Oregon is known as the black hawthorn. This species can be found as both a tree or a shrub, depending on the specific habitat and growing conditions. The black hawthorn is named after its black fruits, which are a distinctive feature of this species. These fruits are often small and round, similar in appearance to berries. In terms of thorns, the black hawthorn typically has thorns that are relatively short, usually measuring less than 1 inch in length.
The other native hawthorn species in Oregon is not specified in the question, but let’s assume it is the Douglas hawthorn (Crataegus douglasii). Unlike the black hawthorn, the Douglas hawthorn is predominantly a tree rather than a shrub. It also produces fruit, although the color of the fruit can vary. The fruit can range from red to black, but it is typically not as dark as the black hawthorn’s fruit. The thorns of the Douglas hawthorn are also usually shorter than 1 inch, similar to the black hawthorn.
It’s worth noting that hawthorns, including non-native species, have been dispersed beyond their native habitats by birds and humans. This means that hawthorns may be found in areas where they are not native, especially if they have been introduced intentionally or unintentionally. Therefore, it is important to consider the specific characteristics of the hawthorn species in question and their distribution patterns to determine if they are native to a particular region.
Hawthorn is indeed native to the PNW, including Oregon. There are two native hawthorn species in Oregon, one known as the black hawthorn, which can be either a tree or a shrub, with black fruits and relatively short thorns. The other native species, such as the Douglas hawthorn, is primarily a tree and produces fruits that are typically red to black in color, with thorns similar in length to the black hawthorn.
