Tree Species: Midland hawthorn (Crataegus laevigata)

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Native to parts of the UK, though less widespread than Common Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna). Found mainly in ancient woodlands and hedgerows in central and southern England.

Deciduous – leaves fall in autumn.

Leaves: Broader than common hawthorn, up to 5 cm long, with 3–5 lobes that are shallower and more rounded. Glossy green above, duller beneath. Arranged alternately.

Bark: Grey-brown, fissured with age. Twigs armed with stout thorns, though sometimes fewer than common hawthorn.

Flowers/Fruit/Seeds: White to pinkish flowers in clusters in late spring, often double-flowered in ornamental cultivars. Red haws (fruits) ripen in autumn, typically rounder and larger than those of C. monogyna. Each fruit contains 2–3 seeds.

Overall shape: Usually a small tree or large shrub, with a dense, rounded crown.

5–10 m tall; spread 4–8 m.

Native but localised in the UK. Found mainly in ancient woodlands and old hedges on heavy clay or fertile soils. More common in continental Europe.

Broader leaves with fewer, rounder lobes than common hawthorn.

Fruits with 2–3 seeds (vs. 1 seed in C. monogyna).

More often associated with ancient woodland than hedgerows.

Spring: White (sometimes pink-tinged) flowers appear in May.

Summer: Dense green foliage; fruits forming.

Autumn: Red haws ripen; leaves turn yellow before dropping.

Winter: Bare, thorny twigs visible.

Traditionally planted in hedgerows and field boundaries.

Timber is hard, dense, and used for tool handles and walking sticks.

Fruits sometimes used in jams, wines, and jellies.

Ornamental double-flowered cultivars widely planted in gardens and parks.

Flowers attract pollinators, including bees and hoverflies.

Fruits provide autumn and winter food for birds and mammals.

Dense thorny growth gives safe nesting sites for small birds.

Supports many insect species, though less than oak or willow.

Midland hawthorn is sometimes called “woodland hawthorn” because of its strong association with ancient woods.

It hybridises naturally with common hawthorn, making identification tricky in the wild.

Best time to plant: Late autumn or early spring.

Soil: Prefers heavy clays and fertile loams; tolerates a wide range but dislikes very dry, sandy soils.

Light: Full sun to partial shade.

Watering: Water regularly until established; drought-tolerant once mature.

Spacing: 30–60 cm for hedging; 4–6 m for individual trees.

Aftercare: Mulch to conserve moisture. Prune in late winter if needed. Protect young trees from browsing animals.

Urban: Works in parks and naturalistic plantings; ornamental cultivars are popular in streets and gardens.

Garden: Well-suited to medium gardens, especially wildlife-friendly ones. Cultivars with double pink flowers (e.g. Paul’s Scarlet) are widely grown as decorative trees.