Hawthorn
Crataegus monogyna 路 Rosaceae 路 also Common hawthorn, May, Quickthorn
A thorny small tree or large shrub to about 15 m, smothered in white May blossom and red haws in autumn. It is the standard hedging plant of the British and Irish countryside and supports over 300 insect species, nesting birds and migrating thrushes. Tough, cheap and quick to establish, so it is used in almost every hedgerow and scrub-planting scheme.
Where it stands
Native
Adapted
- 馃嚘馃嚭 NSW, Australia 路 Introduced and naturalised per WCVP; a recognised environmental weed in south-eastern Australiasource
- 馃嚘馃嚭 QLD, Australia 路 Introduced per WCVPsource
- 馃嚦馃嚳 New Zealand 路 Introduced and naturalised on both islands per WCVPsource
- 馃嚳馃嚘 South Africa 路 Introduced (Cape Provinces, Free State) per WCVPsource
Care
Plant bare-root in winter, in a staggered double row for hedges, and cut back hard after planting to thicken. Trim hedges once a year in late winter after berries are eaten; standards need little pruning. Susceptible to fireblight, aphids and gall mites. Thorns make it unsuitable next to play areas.
Benefits
Good for