The Importance of Native Hawthorns in Pittsburgh

Have you spotted these red-fruited hawthorns around Pittsburgh?

They’re small flowering deciduous trees in the rose family and have over 380 species, some native to Pennsylvania. Their spring flowers provide nectar for native pollinators, but right now, their winter fruit is a food source for songbirds.If you’re looking to add beauty and benefits to your home garden, the hawthorn is a great option. Some of the native species include Downy hawthorn, Fireberry hawthorn, Fleshy hawthorn, and Pennsylvania hawthorn.

You’ll find hawthorn trees throughout the region, but I know for sure that you can see them in Hays Woods — the 626-acre park along the Monongahela River that once served as a coal mining site. On 70-degree days like today, it’s a great spot to hike, bird watch, cycle, or have a picnic.

And good news for the green space: It’s receiving a $233,000 grant to tackle invasive species and remove trash. Its woodlands, wetlands, streams, and meadows make up the city’s second largest park and provide critical support for the local ecosystem — like the nesting bald eagles (who just laid their first eggs of the season!) and, you guessed it, red-fruited hawthorn trees.