The large berries are too much of a bite for small songbirds but are a favorite for waxwings and grosbeaks although the flavour is unpalatable for most human beings.

The Black Hawk Mountain Ash prefers moist well drained soil and is often used to shade kitchen or living room windows because the window provides excellent bird watching opportunities in the winter months. The staining caused by the dropping berries make this tree unsuitable for shading decks and patios.