Common Hawthorn
Crataegus monogyna · Deciduous Broadleaf
Plant Family
Rosaceae
Tree Category
Ornamental / Flowering / Hedgerow Tree
Variety / Cultivar
Native species (unspecified cultivar)
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 4-8; extremely hardy and tolerant of exposed, windy sites.
About This Tree
A small, thorny tree or large shrub with a dense, rounded crown. Often forms multi-stemmed thickets. Known for its profuse white spring blossoms and red autumn berries.
Leaf Characteristics
Simple, deeply 3-7 lobed, alternate arrangement. Dark glossy green on top, paler underneath, turning yellow or bronze in fall.
Bark Characteristics
Grey-brown, smooth when young, becoming deeply fissured and forming square-ish plates or scales with age.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to Europe, Northwest Africa, and Western Asia; highly adaptable to temperate climates.
Growing Season
Buds burst in early spring; flowers in May (known as the May-tree); fruits (haws) ripen in autumn; dormant during winter.
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full sun to partial shade; prefers moist, well-drained soil but is highly drought-tolerant once established.
Mature Size
Height: 6-15 meters; Spread: 6-10 meters; moderate growth rate; can live over 200 years.
Special Characteristics
Features sharp thorns; excellent for security hedging. High tolerance for air pollution and salt spray; historic cultural symbol in folklore.
Wildlife & Ecology
Critical ecological value; provides nectar for bees and butterflies, nesting sites for songbirds, and calorie-rich haws for thrushes and waxwings.