Taxonomy

Division:

Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants

Family:

Rosaceae

Genus:

Crataegus

Species:

Crataegus nigra

USDA Symbol:

CRNI5

Growth Characteristics

Height:

1000 cm

Light Requirements:

Full Sun

Drought Tolerance:

Low

Bloom Months:

apr,may

Bloom Colors:

white

Keystone Species Ranking

Caterpillar Keystone:

★★★★★ Butterfly & moth species supported by this genus (NWF)

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:

birds, small mammals

Fall Color:

yellow, orange, red

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:

rich, well-drained loamy soil

pH:

6.0 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)

Drainage:

tolerates occasional poor drainage

Moisture:

consistently moist

Notes:

Prefers riverbanks and floodplains in its native range.

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:

Cold/moist stratification required — 60–120 days

Germination Time:

30–180 days

Notes:

Seeds require cold stratification for 2-4 months; germination can be slow and erratic, often taking 1-2 years if not stratified.