Hawthorn
(Crataegus monogyna)
Hawthorn is one of our most common trees, yet quietly understated. She's wild, but also planted in hedgerows up and down the country and a key guardian of biodiversity as lots of wildlife depends on her. Once you've noticed her you can't un-see her, she'll be everywhere waving at you as you walk down the road.
Fun facts
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Also known as 'may tree' as the flowers bloom in May. Were used to make may poles.
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Used to be known as 'bread and cheese' as children would snack on the young leaves.
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Their prolific growth meant they were used as one of the main hedges to delineate boundaries of fields during the inclosure periods (which was when common land was replaced by private ownership..). This meant that nurseries sprung up around the country.(1) They still grow as individual trees though if not pruned.
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Incredibly good for the heart and circulation.
Identification tips
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You can see the leaf shape is lobed and quite distinctive.
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Red berries (known as haws) have little bushels on the bottom like an apple and one large seed (which contains cyanide, don't eat it!) .
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Blossoms flower in spring but after the leaves have grown (Blackthorn/sloe is the opposite - the flowers grow first)
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As the name suggests, they have thorns.
Parts used
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Flowers, leaves and berries can all be consumed - but not the pips! These contain cyanide.
Recipes
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The leaves can be added to herbal teas.
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Can be added to rosehips to make a 'hip and haw' ketchup.
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Can be used to infuse gin or other alcohol.
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Can be used to infuse vinegar.
Thoughts and observations
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The Hawthorn is certainly one of my favourite trees. It is everywhere and yet quietly unassuming.