Common hawthorn

What does Common hawthorn look like?

Common hawthorn is a bushy shrub or small tree that can reach 10 metres in height. Its bark is brown with orange lines, and the younger branches have sharp thorns. The leaves are dark green, deeply divided, and have wide, spreading lobes. In late spring, clusters of small white or sometimes pink flowers appear, each with many red stamens and a single style. The flowers have a moderate scent. By autumn, the plant bears small, oval, red fruits called haws, which grow in groups and contain a single stone.

Where does Common hawthorn come from?

This species comes from Europe, where it is widespread in places like Britain, Ireland, and France. It has also been found in parts of northwestern Africa and western Asia, and has established itself in some other regions, such as the Pacific Northwest of North America. Common hawthorn often grows in open or disturbed areas. Over time, it has been planted for hedges and has become part of rural landscapes. Botanists have sometimes confused it with similar species, but it is now clearly defined.

When and how Common hawthorn blooms

Common hawthorn flowers in late spring, usually around May or early June in its home regions. It is typically grown from seed and thrives in areas with well-drained soil and plenty of light. Farmers and gardeners often use it to form dense, thorny hedges, which are shaped by traditional methods like hedgelaying. The plant is valued for its ability to keep out livestock and for its resilience.

How Common hawthorn is used

People use common hawthorn for many purposes. Its dense branches make it ideal for hedges and boundaries. The young leaves and petals can be added to salads, and the fruit, though dry, is used in jellies, jams, and drinks. In traditional herbalism, sprigs with leaves, flowers, or fruit are used. The plant also supports wildlife, especially birds that eat the fruit in winter.

Kinds of Common hawthorn

Common hawthorn can hybridise with related species, especially Midland hawthorn, leading to a range of forms. The hybrid C. × media is popular in gardens, with cultivars like 'Paul's Scarlet' known for their double pink flowers. Some rare hybrids are found in parks and gardens, but the typical form is most widespread.

What Common hawthorn means

Hawthorn has long held a place in European folklore and tradition. It was seen as a symbol of hope and used as a charm against evil or supernatural forces. In Christian tradition, it is linked to the crown of thorns. Notable old trees are found in France and England, such as the Hethel Old Thorn and the Glastonbury Thorn, which is tied to local legend. The plant is also used in rituals to protect homes and livestock.

Where Common hawthorn is used and seen

May devotions to the Blessed Virgin MaryMonth-long Catholic customs honouring Mary with flowers, altars, and processions

Traditions that use it

Questions people ask about Common hawthorn

Good reading and sources

• The mystery over who attacked the Holy Thorn TreeBBC, Article
• IUCN Red List of Threatened SpeciesIUCN Red List, Article
• Plants of the World OnlineRoyal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Plant database
• Where it has been recordedGBIF, Plant database
• Sightings and photos by naturalistsiNaturalist, Plant database

• Crataegus monogyna on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• More photos on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos
• Wikidata recordOpen data