hawthorn
Ratings
- This plant has a Plant Risk Evaluator rating of No PRE Rating
- This plant has been rated Limited by the California Invasive Plant Council
Description
Hawthorn is a deciduous shrub or small tree in the rose family that was introduced to California as an ornamental and has escaped cultivation along the north and central coast. It has escaped into riparian areas, woodlands, and grasslands. Where it invades, it can displace native plants and form dense thickets that alter the structure of the forest understory and make it difficult for large animals to move through the area.
When hawthorn is about 10 years old, it will begin to produce bright red fruits that are consumed by birds and other animals, who distribute its seeds. The seeds may also be distributed by human activity or soil and water movement. CalWeedMapper shows its current distribution in California outside of cultivation.
Why is this plant not included on the invasive plant list?
English hawthorn was considered for addition to the list in 2006 and 2016. It was not included in the nursery survey because the impact and risk from this plant are too low compared to other species.
More information
For more information about this plant, please see the following resources:
