Common Hawthorn

The Common Hawthorn Crataegus monogyna is a broadly spreading shrub or small tree 5-14 m tall, native to Europe, north Africa and western Asia. The leaves are 2-4 cm long, obovate and deeply cut, sometimes almost to the midrib. The upper surface is dark green above and paler underneath. The bark is dull brown with vertical orange cracks.

Related Topics:
Shrub - Tree - Europe - Africa - Asia - Leaves - Bark

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The flowers are produced in late spring (May to early June in its native area) in corymbs of 5-25 together; each flower is about 1 cm diameter, and has five white petals and numerous red stamens; they are moderately fragrant. Later in the year they bear numerous small, oval dark red fruit about 1 cm long that are important for wildlife in winter, particularly thrushes and waxwings; these birds eat the berries and disperse the seeds in their droppings.

Related Topics:
Flower - Corymb - Fruit - Wildlife - Thrushes - Waxwing - Seed

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Other old common names for this plant in Britain include May, Maythorn, Quickthorn, and Haw.

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