Crataegus rivularis

Hawthorns typically grow in early-successional habitats or forest openings, either following disturbance or due to shallow soils, such as rock outcrops, that prevent growth of extensive forest canopy (Lance 2014). As such, they are typically shade intolerant at maturity (Lance 2014). In open habitats, hawthorns can proliferate and serve as important components of the ecosystem, providing ecosystem services such as: an escape from predators and protection for bird nests in dense, thorny branches; a food source for many birds and mammals; a nectar and pollen source for many insects; and as nurse plants for deciduous trees, which may impact succession (FNA 2014, Lance 2014).

Fruits are consumed by many bird species, particularly medium-sized passerines, and a few mammals, including deer, bear, opossum, raccoon, skunk, fox, rabbit, and rodent (FNA 2014, Lance 2014).