Hawthorn Tree
Crataegus monogyna
The hawthorn is a thorny deciduous tree or shrub bearing fragrant white spring blossoms and clusters of red autumn berries called haws. Long used for hedging, it is steeped in folklore and supports abundant wildlife.
- Light
- Full sun to part shade
- Water
- Moderate; drought-tolerant once established
- Difficulty
- Easy
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Overview
Crataegus monogyna, the common hawthorn or may tree, is a hardy deciduous tree or shrub native to Europe, northwest Africa, and western Asia, valued for hedging, wildlife, and seasonal beauty.
In late spring it is smothered in fragrant white (sometimes pink) flowers, traditionally marking the arrival of May. By autumn these give way to dense clusters of deep-red berries known as haws, which persist into winter.
Dense, thorny, and tolerant of hard pruning, hawthorn has been used for centuries as a stockproof hedge. It is rich in folklore, associated with fairies and May Day, and is one of the most wildlife-friendly trees in the temperate landscape.
How to identify it
A thorny deciduous shrub or small tree reaching 5-10 m, often densely branched.
- Leaves: small, deeply lobed (3-7 lobes), glossy green, alternate
- Flowers: clusters of small, five-petalled, white (occasionally pink) blooms with a strong scent, in late spring
- Fruit: small, round, deep-red berries (haws), each typically with a single seed in C. monogyna
- Thorns: sharp woody spines along the branches
- Bark: grey-brown, becoming fissured and scaly with age
- Habit: dense, twiggy, ideal for hedging
Care & growing
An extremely tough and adaptable tree for hedges and wild gardens.
- Light: full sun to partial shade
- Water: moderate; very drought-tolerant once established
- Soil: thrives in almost any soil, including heavy clay and chalk
- Temperature: very cold-hardy, zones 4-8
- Feeding: rarely needed
- Propagation: from seed (requires lengthy stratification) or by layering; commonly grown for hedging and responds well to hard pruning and laying
Habitat & origin
Native to Europe, northwest Africa, and western Asia, growing in woodland, scrub, and hedgerows.
One of the most common hedgerow trees in Britain and across temperate Europe, it has also naturalized in North America, Australia, and New Zealand, sometimes becoming weedy outside its native range.
Uses & benefits
A multipurpose tree valued practically, ecologically, and medicinally.
- Hedging: classic stockproof hedge plant, dense and thorny
- Wildlife: flowers feed pollinators while the haws sustain birds and small mammals; supports hundreds of insect species
- Medicinal: hawthorn flowers, leaves, and berries are a traditional herbal remedy for heart and circulatory support
- Culinary: the haws can be made into jelly, wine, and ketchup; young leaves are edible
Frequently asked questions
Are hawthorn berries edible?
Yes, the red haws are edible and often made into jellies and wine, though the hard seeds should not be eaten or crushed.
Why is it called the may tree?
It typically blooms in May in its native Europe, and its blossom has long been associated with May Day celebrations.
Is hawthorn good for wildlife?
Exceptionally so; its flowers, foliage, and berries support a huge range of insects, birds, and mammals, making it a top wildlife plant.
Can hawthorn be used as a hedge?
Yes, its dense, thorny growth and tolerance of pruning make it one of the best traditional hedging plants for stockproof boundaries.
Hawthorn Tree guides
In-depth guides for identifying, growing, and caring for Hawthorn Tree.
Hawthorn Tree identified by the community
Real specimens identified with Plant Identifier.
