Species › Plants › Downy Hawthorn

Downy Hawthorn

Crataegus mollis

CommonPlant
Illustration of Downy Hawthorn (Crataegus mollis)

Downy Hawthorn is a small thorny native tree of forest edges and roadsides in the eastern United States, producing large red haws that are among the best wildlife fruits. It blooms in May with white flowers that attract numerous bees and flies. The dense, thorny structure provides excellent nesting habitat for many songbirds.

Habitat
Forest edges, roadsides, and open woodland in the eastern United States
Diet
Haws eaten by cedar waxwings, robins, foxes; thorny branches shelter nesting birds
How common
Common

Best time to see a Downy Hawthorn

The best time to see a Downy Hawthorn is March–May, when about 69% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 483 research-grade iNaturalist observations.

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Recent Downy Hawthorn sightings near you

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