This pasture area was infected with Hawthorn through feed and horse droppings many years ago. Despite being aware, the elder owner has not addressed the explosion of wild hawthorn trees.
Last year, and this year due to the cold winter, they have produced spectacular blooms and berry crops will follow which are being spread all over the area. My property alone has over 100 seedlings just this spring. This has not happened before and I've lived here 40+ years. I can only imagine the disaster pending for non-crop forest lands as they are overrun by this pest,
I hope that the owner can be notified and encouraged to take action to prevent this year's crop of seeds. Thank you,
Expert Reviewer
Samuel Leininger Clackamas Soil and Water Conservation District 4-County Cooperative Weed Management Area Columbia Gorge Cooperative Weed Management Area