Black hawthorn

Description:

Black hawthorn blossoms. This thorny shrub is native to northern and western North America, where it grows in varied habitats from forest to scrubland. It is most abundant in the Pacific Northwest.

Habitat:

Spotted near Strickland lake at Dupont, Wa.

Notes:

Native Americans in Washington and British Columbia used the thorns for probing skin blisters and boils, piercing ears, and as fish hooks. The berries were also important, considered to have medicinal properties good against diarrhea. The bark was also use and other stomach pains. While Black Hawthorn berries are sometimes used medicinally or as a food source, predominantly they are used by wildlife. The apple-like berries are commonly eaten by many bird species as well as by black bears in the south interior. The thick growth of Black Hawthorn along with its many thorns also provides protective habitat for bird and small mammal species.