Common Hawthorn

Scientific Name: Crataegus monogyna

Plant Family: Rosaceae

Native Region: Native to Europe, Northwest Africa, and West Asia; widely naturalized in North America, Australia, and New Zealand.

Common Hawthorn

Brief Description

A deciduous shrub or small tree with thorny branches and deeply lobed, small, shiny green leaves. It produces dense clusters of white, fragrant flowers followed by small red berries (haws).

Care Instructions

Thrives in well-drained soil and full sun but is highly adaptable to various conditions. Regular pruning helps maintain a hedge shape if desired. Water regularly during establishment; mature plants are drought tolerant.

Medicinal Value

We do not currently provide medicinal value for plant identifications.

Sunlight

Full sun to partial shade (at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight per day).

Watering

Moderate watering needs. Keep soil moist but not waterlogged for young plants; established plants are quite drought-tolerant. Yellowing leaves may indicate over-watering.

Soil

Adaptable to most soil types, including clay, loam, and sand. Prefers neutral to slightly alkaline pH but tolerates acidic soils.

Hardiness Zone

4 to 8

Growth Habit

Perennial deciduous shrub or small tree. Can grow 15 to 30 feet tall and wide at a moderate growth rate.

Bloom Season

Flowers in late spring (May). Flowers are white or creamy with five petals and a distinct sweet-musky scent.

Toxicity

Generally non-toxic to humans and pets; however, the seeds inside the berries contain small amounts of cyanide and should not be consumed in large quantities. The thorns can cause physical injury.

Propagation

Commonly propagated by seed (requires stratification), hardwood cuttings in autumn, or by grafting specific cultivars.

Common Pests & Issues

Leaf spot, fireblight, and powdery mildew. Pests include aphids, caterpillars, and scale insects. Good air circulation helps prevent fungal issues.

Similar Species

Midland Hawthorn (Crataegus laevigata) which has less deeply lobed leaves and two or three styles/seeds per fruit instead of one.

Interesting Facts

Also known as the 'May-tree', it has long been associated with English folklore and the celebration of Beltane. It is one of the most common hedge plants in the UK.

Created At: 2026-05-10T09:39:40.851567