See more
How do you identify hawthorn flowers?
Identification (see below for more photos)Thorny, deciduous small tree or shrub, 6 to 30 feet tall.Leaves 3 to 7-lobed, 1-2 inches long and nearly as broad, resemble mittens or paws.Flowers grouped in broad, dense, flat-topped clusters and resemble cherry or apple blossoms.Petals are usually white, sometimes pink.More items...•
Is hawthorn the same as May blossom?
Hawthorn is also known as the May tree as its flowers blossom in May.
What is the difference between May and hawthorn?
Flowers and leaves The blackthorn flowers first around April and the Hawthorn blossoms later, around May. This is why it is also known as the May tree. Blackthorn leaves are oval with a toothed edge while hawthorn leaves are deeply lobed with jagged edges.
Do hawthorn flowers have thorns?
Hawthorns, as evidenced by its name, have thorny branches. The thorns are smaller branches that arise from a larger branch, and are typically 1–3 cm long. These thorns tend to be sharp. This deciduous tree has alternate branching, in which the twigs (or thorns) are not directly opposite each other.
What Colour are hawthorn flowers?
whiteIts flowers are usually white, but occasionally pink. Leaves turn yellow and orange before falling in autumn. The dense foliage makes a great shelter for many bird species. Hawthorn has long been used as a hedging plant.
What color are hawthorn flowers?
Physical description. Hawthorns are decidious plants with simple leaves that are usually toothed or lobed. The white or pink flowers, usually in clusters, are followed by small applelike pomes that range from red to orange to blue or black.
What do hawthorn flowers smell like?
It is often multi-trunked and its flowers give off a strong, sweet smell in late spring. Its leaves go from reddish-purple to dark green to orange and finally to scarlet or purple as the year goes by. “Hawthorn is most commonly used to treat heart disease and to treat and prevent cardiovascular disorders.
Is May birth flower hawthorn or lily of the valley?
Birth Month Flowers and Their MeaningsMonthBirth FlowerMeaningMayLily of the valley HawthornSweetness, motherhood HopeJuneRose HoneysuckleRomance HappinessJulyLarkspur Water lilyPositivity, dignity PurityAugustGladiolus PoppyStrength of character Imagination8 more rows•Jul 1, 2015
Is a hawthorn lily?
The May birth flower choices are lily of the valley and hawthorn. Hawthorn is actually the blossom of a tree, and lily of the valley is a garden flower. When you understand the differences in the May flower choices, you can decide which one you wish to use.
How often does a hawthorn tree flower?
twice a yearAbout Hawthorn Trees The hawthorn flowers twice a year and from the flowers comes the fruit. Each flower produces seed, and from the seed, shiny red berries hang in clusters from the tree. The best climate for growing hawthorn trees is in USDA plant hardiness zones 5 through 9.
Where do hawthorn flowers grow?
Hawthorns often grow in large, dense thickets. Generally they occur on moist, deep, fine-textured soils. They are typically found in woods and are commonly used as hedges. Native to most of Europe, North Africa and West Asia.
What is hawthorn blossom?
The hawthorn flower, scientifically known as crataegus laevigata, is a small thorny tree belonging to the Rosacea family. This hardy officinal plant, with sturdy wood, was used by witches against evil spirits.
How many petals does a hawthorn have?
The flower is white and has a single pistil and 5 petals. It is similar to the wild cherry flower (they are from the same family). Sometimes the tips of the petals are pinkish. The flowers appear in May, giving the hawthorn another name – maythorn. Hawthorn flowers.
What is the fruit of a hawthorn?
Hawthorn flowers. Fruits. The fruit, or haw, is dark red with one seed. They remain on the branches until the following spring (unless they are eaten). They are important winter food for birds like dunnocks, blackbirds, thrushes and bullfinches and some of our winter visitors like redwings.
Why is hawthorn important?
Over 200 plant-eating insects depend on hawthorn. The ecological value of the tree is very high because it provides protection and food for many animals.
How to keep hawthorns in the dark?
Hawthorn flowers keep well in an airtight container such as a shoebox, in the dark.
What are hawthorn berries used for?
The shrub’s leaves can be eaten, too. These berries are thus used to make jelly and jams and the leaves are used for infusions. The berries have relaxing and laxative properties, properties that are quite common in natural healing preparations .
Is a hawthorn tree hardy?
All there is to know about hawthorn. Often used in defensive hedges, hawthorn is nonetheless more than that, since it has ornate leaves and blooms abundantly, making it a very beautiful tree. Both hardy and easy to care for, this tree will also give you satisfaction since it will adapt to the soil and climate of where you live.
Do you have to prune hawthorn trees?
Pruning hawthorn isn’t needed unless it’s part of a hedge. If it is, you’ll have to prune it regularly. If it isn’t pruned, your hawthorn can grow quite large and its branches can get very thick. When shaping a tree, only retain the largest, strongest trunk and remove the others when planting. When setting up a hedge, prune in spring ...
What is a common hawthorn?
Common Hawthorn. Crataegus monogyna. To support our efforts please browse our store (books with medicinal info, etc.). Hawthorns are a large and diverse genus in the Rosaceae family; and this genus is also very old.
What is the color of hawthorn bark?
Hawthorn bark is gray with shallow, longitudinal fissures with narrow ridges. In younger trees, the bark is smooth and gray, as seen on a branch of the hawthorn . As they age, the bark darkens into a shade of brown and develops fissures and ridges.
When to use hawthorn leaves?
Leaves can be gathered in spring for use in salads or at any time (before they change colour) for teas.Flower petals can be used in salads in spring. Hawthorn berries typically taste better after a frost but can be used before a frost depending on your taste buds. Berries can be used to make jams, jellies, and in baked goods. Leaves, flowers and berries can be used to make a tea. Use hawthorn tea to make rice, quinoa or couscous.
How long are thorns on a tree?
The thorns are smaller branches that arise from a larger branch, and are typically 1 to 3 cm long. These thorns tend to be sharp. This deciduous tree has alternate branching, in which the twigs (or thorns) are not directly opposite each other.
Where is Hawthorn found?
In North America, hawthorn (Crataegus mollis) fossils from the middle Miocene Epoch (15 million years ago) were discovered in the mid-1900's by a geological survey in the southern Black Hills of South Dakota.The Common Hawthorn belongs to the European and Central Asian group of approx. 100 species that are fairly easily distinguished.
What is the color of a blueberry?
Fruit. The fruits are rounded, oblong, or pear-shaped, relatively small (the size of a large cultivated blueberry), and depending on the species, they range from orange-yellow, scarlet, red, yellow, blue or black in colour. The flesh is mealy and dry, somewhat like rosehips.
Leaves
Flowers
- The flower is white and has a single pistil and 5 petals. It is similar to the wild cherry flower (they are from the same family). Sometimes the tips of the petals are pinkish. The flowers appear in May, giving the hawthorn another name – maythorn.
Fruits
- The fruit, or haw, is dark red with one seed. They remain on the branches until the following spring (unless they are eaten). They are important winter food for birds like dunnocks, blackbirds, thrushes and bullfinches and some of our winter visitors like redwings. They can provide food for humans as well and together with flowers have medicinal use – they are good for your heart.
Bark
- The bark is greyish brown and has a lot of small scales. In the nooks and crannies of the bark, you might find a lot of insects and tiny plants making their home. Take a closer look next time you come across a hawthorn.
Habitat
- Hawthorn is a very undemanding tree and grows almost anywhere, in rock crevices and other unreachable places. It is the most common tree or shrub planted in hedges. Over 200 plant-eating insects depend on hawthorn. The ecological value of the tree is very high because it provides protection and food for many animals.
More About Conservation
- Learn the art of dry stone walling, woodland management, tree planting, hedgelaying and much more. Advice, instructions and support to manage your countryside and green spaces The definitive ‘how to’ conservation guides