Hawthorn Trees | Crataegus

Crataegus monogyna, commonly known as the hawthorn or single-seeded hawthorn, is a deciduous shrub or small tree native to Europe, Northwest Africa, and Western Asia. Belonging to the Rosaceae family, this species is celebrated for its ornamental value, ecological importance, and medicinal properties.

In appearance, C. monogyna typically grows up to 5-15 meters in height, with a dense, thorny crown and dark green, serrated leaves that turn a vibrant red or orange in autumn. During spring, it produces clusters of fragrant white flowers with five petals, attracting pollinators like bees and butterflies. These flowers give way to small, red berries known as haws, which persist through winter, providing sustenance for birds and other wildlife.

Hawthorn is valued for its ecological contributions. Its dense growth habit provides shelter and nesting sites for birds, while its flowers and berries serve as a vital food source for a range of wildlife species. Additionally, hawthorn is often planted in hedgerows and wildlife gardens to create natural barriers and enhance biodiversity.

In horticulture, C. monogyna is prized for its resilience, adaptability, and attractive features, making it a popular choice for hedging, landscaping, and urban greening projects. Its tolerance of various soil types and climatic conditions further adds to its appeal as a low-maintenance ornamental plant.

Overall, Crataegus monogyna stands as a symbol of resilience, beauty, and ecological importance, weaving its way through the landscapes and cultural tapestries of Europe and beyond.

Crataegus monogyna, commonly known as the hawthorn or single-seeded hawthorn, is a deciduous shrub or small tree native to Europe, Northwest Africa, and Western Asia. Belonging to the Rosaceae family, this species is celebrated for its ornamental value, ecological importance, and medicinal properties.

In appearance, C. monogyna typically grows up to 5-15 meters in height, with a dense, thorny crown and dark green, serrated leaves that turn a vibrant red or orange in autumn. During spring, it produces clusters of fragrant white flowers with five petals, attracting pollinators like bees and butterflies. These flowers give way to small, red berries known as haws, which persist through winter, providing sustenance for birds and other wildlife.

Hawthorn is valued for its ecological contributions. Its dense growth habit provides shelter and nesting sites for birds, while its flowers and berries serve as a vital food source for a range of wildlife species. Additionally, hawthorn is often planted in hedgerows and wildlife gardens to create natural barriers and enhance biodiversity.

In horticulture, C. monogyna is prized for its resilience, adaptability, and attractive features, making it a popular choice for hedging, landscaping, and urban greening projects. Its tolerance of various soil types and climatic conditions further adds to its appeal as a low-maintenance ornamental plant.

Overall, Crataegus monogyna stands as a symbol of resilience, beauty, and ecological importance, weaving its way through the landscapes and cultural tapestries of Europe and beyond.

Crataegus laevigata 'Rosea Flore Pleno' is a small, highly ornamental, deciduous tree with rounded habit, thorny branches, and shallow, three-to-five-lobed, glossy green leaves that turn yellow and bronze in autumn. Masses of lovely, double pink flowers grouped in corymbs bloom in May and June creating a spectacular display. Blossoms are followed by bright red berries in autumn. Crataegus laevigata 'Rosea Flore Pleno' is not only beautiful, but tough and resilient. It is easily grown in any type of soil, as long as it is well-drained. It prefers full sun, but tolerates partial shade. It is adaptable to all kinds of growing conditions including coastal, exposed, or polluted. It needs to be sheltered from harsh winds. Low maintenance, doesn’t require much pruning. Crataegus laevigata 'Rosea Flore Pleno' is a wonderful ornamental tree, perfect as a specimen plant in small, informal, or urban gardens. Suitable for coastal areas. Great for beds and borders, hedges and screens.

Crataegus persimilis 'Prunifolia' is a small, ornamental, deciduous tree with broad, compact, rounded crown, and thorny branches. Glossy, broad-oval, dark green leaves look spectacular in autumn when they turn scarlet, deep yellow and purple. Small, fragrant, white flowers cover the tree in late spring and are followed by attractive clusters of deep red berries that persist on thorny branches for a long time. Attractive to birds and bees. Crataegus persimilis 'Prunifolia’ is very undemanding and adaptable. It grows well in any kind of soil, except waterlogged, but prefers medium moisture, well-drained soils, in full sun or partial shade. It is suitable for most difficult gardens. It tolerates full exposure to coastal winds and air pollution. Very resilient and low maintenance. Crataegus persimilis 'Prunifolia’ is a stunning ornamental tree, perfect as a specimen plant or for hedges and screens in cottage and informal gardens. Great for urban and coastal areas.