1. Native / Non-native Status
Native to the UK and much of Europe, North Africa, and western Asia.
2. Evergreen / Deciduous
Deciduous – leaves fall in autumn.
3. Appearance
Leaves: Small (2–6 cm), deeply lobed with 3–7 lobes, bright green in spring and summer. Arranged alternately on twigs.
Bark: Grey-brown, developing fissures with age. Twigs often armed with sharp thorns.
Flowers/Fruit/Seeds: Masses of strongly scented, white five-petalled flowers in May (hence “May tree”). Red berries (haws) ripen in autumn and often persist into winter. Each fruit contains a single seed.
Overall shape: Usually a small tree or large shrub with a dense, thorny, rounded crown.
4. Typical Size
5–7 m tall; spread 4–8 m.
5. Habitat & Range
Very widespread across the UK, one of the most common hedgerow trees. Found in woodland edges, scrub, pastures, and urban landscapes. Tolerates a wide range of soils and conditions.
6. Distinctive Features (ID tips)
Small, deeply lobed leaves.
White blossom in May.
Red berries (haws) in autumn.
Dense, thorny branches.
7. Seasonal Changes
Spring: Abundant white blossom.
Summer: Dense green foliage, berries begin to form.
Autumn: Leaves turn yellow-brown; red haws ripen.
Winter: Bare, thorny crown; berries often remain.
8. Human Uses
Traditionally planted in hedges for stock-proof boundaries.
Wood is hard and was used for tool handles and carving.
Flowers, leaves, and berries have been used in herbal remedies for heart conditions.
Berries sometimes made into jellies and wines.
9. Wildlife Value
Flowers provide nectar and pollen for bees and other pollinators.
Supports over 300 insect species.
Haws provide food for birds (thrushes, finches, blackbirds) and mammals (dormice, foxes).
Dense thorny growth provides safe nesting for many birds.
10. Fun Fact / Cultural Note
Known as the “May tree” because it flowers around May Day.
In folklore, hawthorn was associated with fertility and protection but also with caution—bringing flowering branches into the house was considered unlucky.
Symbolic in many traditions as a tree of boundary and threshold.
11. Planting & Care (Basic Instructions)
Best time to plant: Late autumn or early spring.
Soil: Very adaptable; tolerates clay, loam, sand, acidic or alkaline soils. Prefers well-drained ground but tolerates poor soils.
Light: Thrives in full sun; tolerates partial shade.
Watering: Water regularly for first 1–2 years; drought-tolerant once mature.
Spacing: 30–60 cm apart for hedging; 4–6 m apart for individual trees.
Aftercare: Mulch to retain moisture. Prune hedges regularly to shape; minimal pruning needed for trees. Protect saplings from browsing.
12. Good for Urban or Garden Setting?
Urban: Excellent for hedges, wildlife corridors, and small trees in parks; tolerates pollution well.
Garden: Perfect for medium to large gardens, particularly for wildlife planting and hedges. Not ideal for small ornamental gardens due to thorns.