English hawthorn noxious weed

English Hawthorn, Crataegus monogyna is one of the most recent additions to the Washington State Noxious Weed List.  The small tree or large shrub was added as a Class C weed to the 2016 weed list.

English hawthorn grows in full sun and is found in lowland areas of Western Washington. It may be common along fence lines, forest edges and open grass land. The small tree was added to the list because of its invasive character. In San Juan County, hawthorn has infested large areas of agricultural land and open grass lands. The plant can produce dense thickets that can block animal movement. Injury to animals and people can occur when the sharp thorn tipped branches penetrate the skin.

Crataegus douglasii, Douglas’s hawthorn or Black hawthorn is native to the Pacific Northwest and may be mistaken with the English type. The two can be distinguished by fruit color, thorn size and leaf shape. Control options include digging, cutting and the use of an herbicides applied to a cut surfaces. For information about distribution and control of this plant contact the Lewis County Weed Program.