Crataegus monogyna (Hawthorn)

Common name: Hawthorn

Description: A native British hedgerow shrub or small tree that forms the backbone of traditional countryside hedging. In late spring, branches are smothered with clusters of sweetly scented white flowers, creating a spectacular display known as 'May blossom'. The deeply lobed, glossy green leaves provide dense coverage throughout summer, whilst the bark develops an attractive fissured texture with age. By autumn, the plant is adorned with deep red berries (haws) that persist well into winter, providing valuable food for wildlife during the lean months. The dense, thorny growth habit makes it an impenetrable barrier, ideal for stock-proof hedging and boundary planting.

Other benefits: excellent hedging plant for security and privacy, traditional British native species, autumn berries provide winter interest, extremely hardy and adaptable

Wildlife attraction: bees, butterflies, moths, birds (particularly thrushes and redwings feed on berries), provides nesting sites for birds, supports numerous native insects

Height & spread (approx.) at 10 years: 4m x 3m (can be maintained lower through regular hedging)

Position: full sun to partial shade; extremely adaptable to exposed and windy sites

Soil pH: highly adaptable; thrives in neutral, alkaline and slightly acidic soils

Moisture: very drought tolerant once established; tolerates a wide range of moisture conditions including clay soils

Winter hardiness: exceptionally cold hardy to -25°C