Forbes’s Hawthorn: A Rare New England Native Worth Knowing
If you’re a native plant enthusiast with a passion for rare finds, Forbes’s hawthorn (Crataegus forbesiae) might just pique your interest. This lesser-known member of the hawthorn family is one of those botanical gems that makes you feel like you’ve discovered a secret—mainly because so few people have ever encountered one!
What Exactly Is Forbes’s Hawthorn?
Forbes’s hawthorn is a native perennial shrub that calls a very small corner of New England home. Like other hawthorns, it’s a multi-stemmed woody plant that typically stays under 13-16 feet tall, though it can occasionally stretch taller or develop a single trunk depending on growing conditions. You might also see it listed as Crataegus forbesae in some older references—that’s just a spelling variation of the same plant.
Where Can You Find It?
Here’s where things get interesting (and a bit exclusive): Forbes’s hawthorn has one of the most limited native ranges you’ll find among North American plants. It’s only documented in Connecticut and Massachusetts, making it a true New England specialty. This incredibly restricted distribution immediately raises some red flags for gardeners interested in growing it.
- Species observed
- No observations
Should You Plant Forbes’s Hawthorn?
The short answer is: probably not, and here’s why. The extremely limited range of this species suggests it may be quite rare in the wild, though we don’t have definitive data on its conservation status. When a plant is found in only two states, it’s often wise to leave it in its natural habitat rather than attempting to cultivate it in gardens.
Additionally, there’s remarkably little information available about this species’ specific growing requirements, appearance, or garden performance. This lack of horticultural knowledge makes it a risky choice for home gardeners.
Better Alternatives for Your Garden
If you’re drawn to the idea of growing a native hawthorn, consider these more widely available and better-documented alternatives:
- Downy Hawthorn (Crataegus mexicana) – More widely distributed and better studied
- Black Hawthorn (Crataegus douglasii) – Excellent for wildlife and well-adapted to cultivation
- Cockspur Hawthorn (Crataegus crus-galli) – Striking fall color and reliable garden performance
Growing Conditions and Care
Based on its wetland status as Facultative Upland, Forbes’s hawthorn seems to prefer non-wetland conditions but can tolerate some moisture. Like most hawthorns, it would likely appreciate:
- Full sun to partial shade
- Well-draining soil
- Moderate water needs
- Cold tolerance suitable for its native New England range
However, without specific horticultural trials and documentation, these are educated guesses based on related species and its natural habitat.
The Bottom Line
Forbes’s hawthorn represents one of those fascinating botanical mysteries that remind us how much we still don’t know about our native flora. While it’s tempting to want to grow every native plant we discover, sometimes the most responsible approach is to appreciate these rarities in their natural settings and choose better-known native alternatives for our gardens.
If you’re passionate about supporting native New England plants, focus on well-documented species that you can grow successfully while contributing to local ecosystem health. Save the rare finds like Forbes’s hawthorn for botanical field trips and nature photography!