Black Hawthorn vs Blue Beech - TreeTime.ca

Black Hawthorn vs Blue Beech

Crataegus douglasii

Carpinus caroliniana

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

Black Hawthorn
Blue Beech

Black Hawthorn is a versatile plant that is native to wetlands and other areas with moist soils, but can also tolerate dry soils. This plant can be grown as a short shrub, or a tree reaching 30 feet tall.

Black Hawthorn is valued for erosion control and attracting pollinators. It also makes an attractive flowering ornamental that can be planted as a specimen or pruned as a hedge. It is commonly used in shelterbelts.

Blue Beech is a beautiful, ornamental tree with enticing features. The foliage transforms throughout the season, offering a kaleidoscope of color. New leaves emerge reddish-purple, transforming to dark green, and then turn striking shades of yellow, orange, and red in fall. Once all the foliage has dropped, grooved, blue-grey bark becomes striking on a winter landscape.

Blue Beech has an attractive globular shape and has been successfully grown in both full shade and full sun locations. Make sure you provide ample moisture to ensure this tree thrives.

Black Hawthorn Quick Facts

Blue Beech Quick Facts

Zone: 3a
Zone: 3b
Height: 8 m (25 ft)
Height: 6 m (20 ft)
Spread: 5 m (15 ft)
Spread: 6 m (20 ft)
Light: partial shade, full sun
Light: any
Moisture: any
Moisture: normal, wet
Growth rate: medium
Growth rate: slow
Life span: medium
Life span: short
Suckering: medium
Suckering: none


Foliage: contains thorns
Fall colour: yellow to red
Bark: brown to gray
Flowers: white
Berries: purplish-black pomes
Nuts: Small nuts with earthy, sweet taste
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: yes


Native to: AB, BC, SK, ON
Native to: ON, QC
Other Names: crataegus columbiana, douglas hawthorn, douglas' thornapple