Invasive Species: English Hawthorn

Crataegus monogyna

English hawthorn is a European species brought to the US as an ornamental and occasionally for hedgerows. It is widespread in the Willamette Valley counties.

Why is it important to control?

English hawthorn will create thickets rendering pasture ground useless. Dense stands can dominate oak savanna habitats and can be expected to severely restrict native oak regeneration.

How can you identify it?

English hawthorn flowers close upEnglish hawthorn berries close up
Habitat: Seasonally dry pastures, seasonal wetland prairie, oak forests, fence rows
Life Cycle: Perennial
Height: Up to 25ft
Leaf Description: Alternate, 1-2in long, deeply lobed. Many stout thorns on branches
Fruit & Flower Description: Five petaled white flowers in clusters of 5-25. Dark red, egg shaped berries
Bloom Time: May to early June

How do you control it?

  • Physically remove plants and roots. Will require monitoring and follow up.

  • Herbicides can assist in regrowth and new seedlings.

  • It will take repeated effort over several years to eradicate.

  • Herbicide control:  Oregon State University Extension recommends a triclopyr or glyphosate based herbicide. Take care to avoid drift and be cautious near crops. FOLLOW ALL LABEL DIRECTIONS!

  • The Oregon Department of Agriculture has no approved biocontrols.

How to report it?

There are various ways you can report this noxious weed.

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