The Common Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna) Science and Folklore
A shrub or small tree, 5-15m high, characterised by a dense thorny habit. The small leaves are deeply lobed and turn orange and dark red in autumn. The flowers, produced in late spring in corymbs or clusters, are 1 cm across and consist of 5 white petals with red stamens. They are faintly scented. Once fertilised, they develop into deep red fruits known as “haws”.
“Haw” comes from the Old English haga, meaning hedge. The hawthorn is the commonest hedgerow shrub and can be found throughout the UK. It tolerates a wide variety of conditions, including polluted and exposed sites. Its spines and close branching habit means it is effectively stock and human proof. The traditional practice of hedge laying is most often practised with this species. We are establishing a hawthorn hedge along the eastern boundary of the Pinetum.
Also known as the may tree due to its flowering period. The saying “Ne’er cast a clout ‘til May is out” is thought to refer to the hawthorn blossom rather than the month and conveys a warning not to shed any cloots (clothes) before the summer has fully arrived and the may flowers are in full bloom. Good advice!
Common hawthorn is native to the UK and Europe and often hybridises with the UK’s other native hawthorn, Midland hawthorn (Crataegus laevigata). Both species are similar and are hard to tell apart.
The hawthorn is important to wild life. It is the food plant for many moths and other insects. Its flowers are eaten by dormice and provide nectar for insects. The haws are rich in antioxidants and are eaten mainly by migrating birds, such as redwings, fieldfares and thrushes, as well as small mammals. The dense thorny foliage makes good nesting shelter for birds and small mammals.
Humans can eat the haws raw but they may cause mild stomach upset. Most commonly, they are used to make jellies, jams or syrups. Apparently, the young tender leaves taste nutty and the flower petals are also edible.
The wood has a reputation for making good firewood and charcoal and burns at high temperatures.
Philip Hall
“Haw” comes from the Old English haga, meaning hedge. The hawthorn is the commonest hedgerow shrub and can be found throughout the UK. It tolerates a wide variety of conditions, including polluted and exposed sites. Its spines and close branching habit means it is effectively stock and human proof. The traditional practice of hedge laying is most often practised with this species. We are establishing a hawthorn hedge along the eastern boundary of the Pinetum.
Also known as the may tree due to its flowering period. The saying “Ne’er cast a clout ‘til May is out” is thought to refer to the hawthorn blossom rather than the month and conveys a warning not to shed any cloots (clothes) before the summer has fully arrived and the may flowers are in full bloom. Good advice!
Common hawthorn is native to the UK and Europe and often hybridises with the UK’s other native hawthorn, Midland hawthorn (Crataegus laevigata). Both species are similar and are hard to tell apart.
The hawthorn is important to wild life. It is the food plant for many moths and other insects. Its flowers are eaten by dormice and provide nectar for insects. The haws are rich in antioxidants and are eaten mainly by migrating birds, such as redwings, fieldfares and thrushes, as well as small mammals. The dense thorny foliage makes good nesting shelter for birds and small mammals.
Humans can eat the haws raw but they may cause mild stomach upset. Most commonly, they are used to make jellies, jams or syrups. Apparently, the young tender leaves taste nutty and the flower petals are also edible.
The wood has a reputation for making good firewood and charcoal and burns at high temperatures.
Philip Hall