Black Hawthorn (Crataegus douglasii) is a deciduous, thicket-forming shrub or small tree that grows anywhere from 20-40 feet tall. It is a common plant in Oregon and Washington on both sides of the Cascades, growing in moist, well-drained soils. The black hawthorn is an important species for wildlife, attracting pollinators and providing protected nesting and edible fruits for birds and other small wildlife.

Leaves are 1.5-3 inches long and up to 1.5 inches wide, doubly serrate, ovate, and sometimes lobed. Small white flowers bloom in clusters from late spring to early summer. The small, oval fruits are purple-black when ripe, one quarter to a half inch in size. This attractive tree turns yellow, orange, and red in fall.

Black hawthorn is an important species for wildlife, providing protected nesting and edible fruits for birds and other small wildlife. The young of gray hairstreak and mourning cloak butterflies feed on black hawthorn, and the flowers attract many native bees.

Oval-leaved viburnum (Viburnum ellipticum) is a deciduous shrub that brings three-season interest to any native garden. Clusters of small white flowers bloom in late spring and early summer. The berry-like fruit is red at first, becoming black when ripe. The simple oval leaves are 1-3″ long, coarsely toothed, and turn red in the autumn before dropping to reveal straight, upright central stems and widely spaced, horizontal branches.

This shrub supports pollinators and beneficial insects. Many birds and small mammals eat the berries, and birds nest and shelter in its branches.

Oval-leaved viburnum is native west of the Cascades in Oregon and Washington, where it is found mainly in dry open woods and lowland thickets. This shrub tolerates both seasonal flooding and drought, making it a hardy addition to the landscape. It does well as a border plant, such as at the edge of a wooded area. Pair it with snowberry, salal, and low Oregon grape for year-round beauty!