Hawthorns provide food and shelter for many species of birds and mammals, and the flowers are important for many nectar-feeding insects. Branches of Glastonbury thorn (C. monogyna 'Biflora',[9] sometimes called C. oxyacantha var. The "haws" or fruits of the common hawthorn, C. monogyna, are edible. [30], The superstitious dread of harming hawthorn trees prevalent in the British Isles may also be connected to an old belief that hawthorns, and more especially 'lone thorns' (self-seeded specimens standing in isolation from other trees) originate from lightning or thunderbolts and give protection from lightning strikes.[31]. The berries are called haws, are red or black and are known for many medicinal uses. The most common type of bark is smooth grey in young individuals, developing shallow longitudinal fissures with narrow ridges in older trees. In Iran, the fruits of Crataegus (including Crataegus azarolus var. The name is now also applied to the entire genus and to the related Asian genus Rhaphiolepis. It fits perfectly into an informal or rural garden, and it can also be clipped into a dense, secure hedge around your property. The hawthorn has been regarded as the emblem of hope, and its branches are stated to have been carried by the ancient Greeks in wedding processions, and to have been used by them to deck the altar of Hymenaios. A closely related species, Crataegus cuneata (Japanese hawthorn, called sanzashi in Japanese) is used in a similar manner. People born on the island are now called "haweaters". Our Red Hawthorn Crimson Cloud are supplied at a height of between 1.00 and 2.4 metres in a 7-12 litre container, which means that the tree can be planted any time of the year and with better results than either bare-root or rootballed trees. On Manitoulin Island, Ontario, some red-fruited species are called hawberries. Botanical name: Crataegus. Today, the hawthorn is renowned for its sturdy nature and beauty, but also its functionality as a border hedge. [8], The Scots saying "Ne'er cast a cloot til Mey's oot" conveys a warning not to shed any cloots (clothes) before the summer has fully arrived and the Mayflowers (hawthorn blossoms) are in full bloom. Fully hardy. Many species of Hawthorn make excellent bonsai trees. , 1974. How Long Does It Take for a Kousa Sapling to Flower? Serbian folklore that spread across Balkan notes that hawthorn (Serbian глог or glog) is essential to kill vampires, and stakes used for their slaying must be made from the wood of the thorn tree. The original tree was destroyed in the sixteenth century during the English Reformation, but several cultivars have survived. 450-1100)-language text, Articles with unsourced statements from May 2009, Articles with unsourced statements from February 2010, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License, This page was last edited on 13 December 2020, at 00:33. [9], Seedlings of Crataegus monogyna have been used to graft multiple species on the same trunk, such as pink hawthorn, pear tree, and medlar, the result being trees which give pink and white flowers in May and fruits during the summer. One drawback to growing th… Plants: medicine plants: words", "Interaction Study between Digoxin and a Preparation of Hawthorn (, "Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna) progression", "BIVŠI MINISTAR POLICIJE SRBIJE LOVI VAMPIRE! This species tends to have few to no thorns. Bailey, L.H. The review indicated the need for further study of the best dosages and concluded that although "many different theoretical interactions between Crataegus and orthodox medications have been postulated ... none have [yet] been substantiated. Crataegus, commonly called hawthorn or thornapple, is a large genus of shrubs and trees in the rose family, Rosaceae, native to temperate regions of the … Crataegus trees can become around 500 years old and their trunks thicken quite slowly. The New Sunset Western Garden Book; Kathleen Norris Brenzel, editor. In spring, the tree is covered with clusters of flowers in shades of white or pink, depending on the variety. Like aphids, scale is controlled by predators such as beetles, parasitic moths and lacewings. All have excellent spring blossom displays, and most have attractive autumn fruitlet colours. Native to the UK, this hawthorn is perfect for attracting pollinators and birds come autumn, thanks to its spectacular blossom and red haws. Oregon State University Extension: Hawthorn (Crataegus), University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources: Hawthorn—Crataegus Spp., Family Rosaceae (Rose Family), Birds and Blooms: Top Ten Berries for Birds, University of Florida School of Forest Resources and Conservation: Hawthorn (Crataegus spp.). Each flower produces a seed, and from the seed, … It typically thrives in Full Sun and has a 12-24 Inches growth rate per year. It is graft-compatible with Mespilus (medlar), and with pear, and makes a hardier rootstock than quince, but the thorny suckering habit of the hawthorn can be problematic. I remember the kitchen as being large and airy. [37] Seed germination is improved if the pyrenes that contain the seed are subjected to extensive drying at room temperature, before stratification. Birds, squirrels, rabbits, raccoons and deer dine on the rich fruit and seeds. Hawthorn is distinguished by its sharp, woody thorns and serrated leaves. Downy, or red, hawthorn (C. mollis) has whitish hairs on young twigs and downy leaves. Robert Graves, in his book The White Goddess,[5] traces and reinterprets many European legends and myths in which the whitethorn (hawthorn), also called the May-tree, is central. With masses of pollen-rich spring flowers followed by autumn berries (haws), they provide food and shelter for a range of wildlife. The small trees have a slow to moderate rate of growth. Crataegus (/krəˈtiːɡəs/[2]), commonly called hawthorn, quickthorn,[3] thornapple,[4] May-tree,[5] whitethorn,[5] or hawberry, is a genus of several hundred species of shrubs and trees in the family Rosaceae,[6] native to temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere in Europe, Asia, North Africa, and North America. Some botanists in the past recognised 1000 or more species,[39] many of which are apomictic microspecies. [22] They are grown and enjoyed for their display of flowers. The genus is classified into sections which are further divided into series. Phipps, J.B., O'Kennon, R.J., Lance, R.W. The common hawthorn is extensively used in Europe as a hedge plant. [18] Patients taking digoxin should avoid taking hawthorn. Water a young tree during dry weather, but after the first year or two, natural rainfall is adequate. Leaves 3 to 7-lobed, 1-2 inches long and nearly as broad, resemble mittens or paws 3. Crataegus phaenopyrum, commonly called Washington hawthorn, is native to Missouri where it is primarily found in open ground, thickets and wood margins in the Ozark region of the state (Steyermark).It is noted for its attractive flowers and foliage, bright red fruits and fall color. Flowers grouped in broad, dense, flat-topped clusters and resemble cherry or apple blossoms 4. C. laevigata ‘Crimson Cloud’ is an English hawthorn with bright red flowers and fine-textured leaves. The gray or reddish-brown bark of the hawthorn tree provides texture to the garden, and some varieties turn a vibrate shade of orange-bronze in autumn. Haws are important for wildlife in winter, particularly thrushes and waxwings; these birds eat the haws and disperse the seeds in their droppings. Red Hawthorn, C. columbiana, which may be seen in some areas of the B.C. Hawthorn trees feature more than one season of interest. Although hawthorn is relatively pest-resistant, the tree is sometimes bothered by aphids or scale. Native to eastern North America, hawthorn is a showy, small tree that breaks into clouds of white flowers in spring, followed by vivid fall color, and long-lasting red winter fruits. The Washington Hawthorn Tree grows well in USDA Hardiness Zones 4-7. In nature, hawthorns are often associated with persimmon, eastern … The oval red berries ripen a little earlier (than Washington hawthorn) in fall and contain a single seed (hence the name). [10] The leaves are edible, and if picked in spring when still young, are tender enough to be used in salads. A reasonable number is estimated to be 200 species.[9]. In the United Kingdom, they are sometimes used to make a jelly or homemade wine. May have anti-inflammatory properties. Its beautiful flowers, sharp thorns and hedge-like qualities have made it popular throughout the ages. List of hawthorn species with yellow fruit, List of hawthorn species with black fruit, "FirstVoices- Ktunaxa. First noted scientifically in 1883, the tree received its name from its point of origin when introduced to Pennsylvania from Washington, becoming known as the Washington thorn because of its prominent thorns. Well-suited to clay soils. Seeds require stratification and take one or two years to germinate. Multiple Seasons of Interest. The young leaves and flower buds, which are also edible, are known as "bread and cheese" in rural England. It's a medium-sized tree, 20 to 30 feet tall and 15 to 20 feet wide, suitable as a street or specimen tree. [19][20], Many species and hybrids are used as ornamental and street trees. Avoid pesticides, which kill natural aphid predators such as lady beetles and lacewings. Common in hedgerows, these shrubs and small trees are tough and hardy enough to thrive in a number of garden situations. Hawthorns are also used as food plants by the larvae of a large number of Lepidoptera species, such as the small eggar moth, E. lanestris. They are used to make many kinds of Chinese snacks, including haw flakes and being coated in sugar syrup and put on a stick tanghulu. © Copyright 2020 Hearst Communications, Inc. ; Bailey, E.Z. In the home garden, hawthorn attracts butterflies and a number of songbirds, including cedar waxwings, bluejays and northern flickers. Small plants or suckers are often transplanted from the wild. This is the largest of … Among the most commonly grown hawthorns are Russian hawthorn (Crataegus ambigua), English hawthorn (Crataegus laevigata), and Carriere hawthorn (Crategus carrierel). According to a medieval legend, the Glastonbury thorn, C. monogyna 'Biflora', which flowers twice annually, was supposed to have miraculously grown from a walking stick planted by Joseph of Arimathea at Glastonbury in Somerset, England. 2. [28] Lore has it that it is very unlucky to cut the tree at any time other than when it is in bloom; however, during this time, it is commonly cut and decorated as a May bush (see Beltane). After flowers in colors like white, pink, lavender, and red appear in the spring, small red or orange fruit will grow in the summer and often persist into late winter--a single tree … The vast majority of types have branches covered in thorns, which range from under and inch to 3 inches long and all produce pome fruits. In Celtic lore, the hawthorn plant was used commonly for inscriptions[26][citation needed] along with yew and apple. These flowers, known for their distinctive odor, yield to first green and then red berries that persist throughout winter. How to choose Hawthorn trees. Blight control products containing copper are sometimes effective. In its natural environment, hawthorn trees are an important source of sustenance for wildlife. Though classified as small trees, they have a tendency to send up suckers, which leads to multiple trunks or creates a large shrub if not pruned. Cedar rusts and fireblight are potential problems but this species is more resistant to those diseases. [27], In Gaelic folklore, hawthorn (in Scottish Gaelic, sgitheach and in Irish, sceach) 'marks the entrance to the otherworld' and is strongly associated with the fairies. Of greatest significance is the fact that it is the perfect substitute for the very problematic Paul’s Scarlet Hawthorn. In the southern United States, fruits of three native species are collectively known as mayhawsand are made into jellies which are considered a delic… In the Scottish Highlands, the flowers may be seen as late as the middle of June. About Hawthorn Trees A hawthorn tree is a hardy, fruit bearing, flower growing tree that has been known to live for up to 400 years. Washington hawthorn trees attain a height of 25 to 35 feet, with a spread also of 25 to 35 feet. Hawthorn Trees - Crataegus Crataegus trees, also known as Hawthron trees, are widely planted for their delightful flowers which are often scented and appear in spring. The relatively thornless hybrid Lavalle hawthorn (Crataegus x lavallei) has lustrous green leaves, large orange-red fruits, and bronze-red fall foliage. They produce attractive white blooms in clusters, in late spring to early summer. During the British Agricultural Revolution in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, hawthorn saplings were mass propagated in nurseries to create the new field boundaries required by the Inclosure Acts. The Hawthorn tree has white flowers similar to apple blossoms that attracts butterflies and beneficial insects. They have year round interest with the flowers, but also in fall and winter because of the berries (which songbirds love). [32] 'When all fruit fails, welcome haws' was once a common expression in Ireland. This native American tree is ideal for a smaller garden, or for background in a larger one. The clusters of flowers, often colorful fruits, and manageable size endear hawthorns to landscapers, and many varieties appear in cultivation, including some specially bred for landscape use. They average between 15 and 30 feet tall and wide. In spring small white or in rarer cases pink or red flowers appear in clusters, followed by small red apple-shaped fruit in autumn. [16], The Kutenai people of northwestern North America used black hawthorn fruit (Kutenai language: kaǂa; approximate pronunciation: kasha) for food, and red hawthorn fruit (Kutenai language: ǂupǂi; approximate pronunciation: shupshi) in traditional medicine. Thorny, deciduous small tree or shrub, 6 to 30 feet tall 2. Plants prefer full sun to part shade and water. Related to the apple, pear, and crabapple trees, the English hawthorn (Crataegus laevigata) is a small to medium-sized tree that's native to Europe and North Africa. Height/Spread: Upright spreading habit, 15-20 feet tall and wide. Potted Tree The Hawthorn is an attractive large shrub or small tree. 3. The Hawthorn is an attractive large shrub or small tree. Other Common Hawthorn Names: Virginia or Maple-leaved Hawthorn, also refered to as thornapple, May-tree, whitethorn, or hawberry.