How to identify Hawthorn
Crataegus monogyna
Hawthorn is a common tree, most often planted in hedgerows. Its flowers appear in May, giving the hawthorn another name – maythorn. It is the most common tree or shrub planted in hedges.
You may find many single hawthorns on farmland. Farmers sometimes won’t cut them down. They believe it is bad luck to do this. These trees were under the protection of fairies and, if the ‘fairy tree’ was killed, the fairy might seek revenge.
Hawthorn is a very undemanding tree and grows almost anywhere, in rock crevices and other unreachable places.
Over 200 plant-eating insects depend on hawthorn. The ecological value of the tree is very high because it provides protection and food for many animals.
Key facts about Hawthorn
Common name(s)
Hawthorn
Scientific name
Crataegus monogyna
Common family name
Rose
Scientific family name
Rosaceae
- How to grow Hawthorn
Where does grow?
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- W6 Alder woodland with stinging nettle
- W7 Alder-ash woodland with yellow pimpernel
- W8 Lowland mixed broadleaved woodland with dog’s mercury
- W9 Upland mixed broadleaved woodland with dog’s mercury
- W10 Lowland mixed broadleaved woodland with bluebell
- W11 Upland oak-birch woodland with bluebell
- W12 Beech-ash woodland with dog’s mercury
- W14 Beech-oak woodland with bramble
- W17 Upland oak-birch woodland with bilberry
- Minor forest tree
- Edge plants suitable for open woods, woodland edges or hedges
Characteristics of Hawthorn
The following characteristics give us all the clues we need to identify a Hawthorn.
Leaves
The leaves are ‘alternate’. They are up to 6cm long, have 5-7 deep lobes and teeth on the leaf tip. The stipules are at the base of each leaf.
The new shoots are fresh green, darkening later. The underside of the leaf is light green.
Flowers
The flower is white and has a single pistil and 5 petals. It is similar to the wild cherry flower (they are from the same family).
Sometimes the tips of the petals are pinkish. The flowers appear in May, giving the hawthorn another name – maythorn.
Fruit
The fruit, or haw, is dark red with one seed. They remain on the branches until the following spring (unless they are eaten).
They are important winter food for birds like dunnocks, blackbirds, thrushes and bullfinches and some of our winter visitors like redwings.
They can provide food for humans as well and together with flowers have medicinal use – they are good for your heart.
Bark
The bark is greyish brown and has a lot of small scales.
In the nooks and crannies of the bark, you might find a lot of insects and tiny plants making their home. Take a closer look next time you come across a hawthorn.
