Klamath Hawthorn
Crataegus gaylussacia
Care
full sun, part shade
moderate
Prized
Berries eaten fresh or cooked; traditionally used for food and medicine by Indigenous peoples
Klamath Basin area of northeastern California and southern Oregon, 2000-4500 ft elevation in mixed conifer and oak habitats.
Care Guide
Planting
Plant your Klamath Hawthorn in full sun to part shade in a location that mimics its natural habitat - it thrives in moist areas like streambanks. Choose a spot with good drainage and moderate moisture availability. Plant in fall or early spring when the tree is dormant to give it the best chance to establish.
After Planting
Water moderately and consistently during your first growing season to keep the soil evenly moist, especially during dry months. Once established, this native tree tolerates the conditions it evolved in, so you can reduce supplemental watering. The biggest mistake is planting in a dry spot and expecting it to thrive - this hawthorn wants that streambank-like moisture, so don't treat it like a drought-tolerant California native.
Wildlife Supported
Birds
consume hawthorn fruit during fall migration and winter survival, critical food source Sep-Nov
concentrate on hawthorn fruit in late fall and winter months, primary diet Dec-Feb
consume hawthorn fruit during fall staging Sep-Oct before migration