Phipps’ Hawthorn: A Rare Northwestern Native Worth Protecting
Meet Phipps’ hawthorn (Crataegus phippsii), a charming native shrub that’s making waves in the world of native gardening—though you might have to look pretty hard to find it! This lesser-known member of the hawthorn family is a true Pacific Northwest treasure that deserves a spot in your native plant collection, but there’s an important catch we need to talk about first.
What Makes Phipps’ Hawthorn Special?
Phipps’ hawthorn is a perennial shrub that typically grows as a multi-stemmed woody plant, usually staying under 13-16 feet in height. Like its hawthorn cousins, it’s likely to reward you with clusters of white or pinkish flowers in spring, followed by small, colorful berries that add interest to the fall and winter landscape.
What sets this plant apart isn’t just its beauty—it’s its story. This hawthorn is native to a relatively small region spanning British Columbia, Montana, and Washington, making it a true regional specialist.
A Word of Caution: Rarity Matters
Here’s where things get interesting (and important): Phipps’ hawthorn has a Global Conservation Status of S1S3, which indicates this species faces some level of conservation concern. This means that while we absolutely encourage growing this beautiful native, it’s crucial that you source your plants responsibly.
What does responsibly sourced mean? Look for:
- Nurseries that propagate from cultivated stock rather than wild-collected plants
- Seeds or cuttings obtained legally and ethically
- Plants grown by reputable native plant societies or conservation organizations
Why Choose Phipps’ Hawthorn for Your Garden?
Despite its rarity (or perhaps because of it), there are compelling reasons to include this shrub in your landscape:
- True native credentials: This plant evolved specifically in the Pacific Northwest ecosystem
- Wildlife support: Like other hawthorns, it likely provides food and habitat for native birds and insects
- Pollinator friendly: Spring flowers attract bees and other beneficial pollinators
- Four-season interest: Spring blooms, summer foliage, fall berries, and interesting winter structure
- Conservation impact: Growing rare natives helps preserve genetic diversity
Where Does Phipps’ Hawthorn Fit in Your Landscape?
This adaptable shrub works beautifully in several garden settings:
- Native plant gardens focused on regional species
- Wildlife habitat gardens
- Naturalized landscape areas
- Mixed shrub borders with other northwestern natives
- Restoration projects (with appropriate permits and sourcing)
Growing Conditions and Care
Based on its native range spanning from British Columbia down to Montana and Washington, Phipps’ hawthorn likely thrives in USDA hardiness zones 3-7. Like most hawthorns, it probably adapts well to various growing conditions:
- Sun exposure: Full sun to partial shade
- Soil: Adaptable to different soil types, likely drought-tolerant once established
- Water: Moderate water needs; probably appreciates some summer water in drier climates
- Maintenance: Low-maintenance once established
Planting and Care Tips
When you do find responsibly sourced Phipps’ hawthorn, here’s how to give it the best start:
- Plant in spring or fall when temperatures are mild
- Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball but no deeper
- Water regularly the first year while roots establish
- Mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds
- Prune lightly in late winter if needed to maintain shape
The Bottom Line
Phipps’ hawthorn represents something special in the native plant world—a chance to grow a truly regional species while contributing to its conservation. Yes, it might take some extra effort to source responsibly, but that’s part of what makes it so rewarding to grow.
If you can’t find Phipps’ hawthorn, don’t despair! Consider other native hawthorn species that might be more readily available in your area. Every native plant in your garden makes a difference, whether it’s rare or common.
Remember: gardening with rare natives isn’t just about having something unique—it’s about being part of a conservation story that’s still being written.
