Black hawthorn is a thorny, thicket-forming shrub or small tree valued as much for wildlife habitat as for its seasonal beauty. Clusters of white flowers cover the branches in spring, drawing in mining bees, bumble bees, and butterflies, and give way to dark purple-black haws in late summer that are an important food source for birds and bears heading into fall. Its dense, thorny growth also makes it excellent nesting cover for songbirds. A great pick for a wildlife hedgerow or streambank planting, though best sited with its thorns in mind.