types of hawthorn trees

How many types of hawthorn trees are there?

Hawthorns belong in a very large family encompassing over 1,000 types, though all have similar characteristics and all produce attractive fruit. Despite their susceptibility to pests and diseases, they fulfill many uses within the landscape.

How do you identify a hawthorn tree?

Identification (see below for more photos)

Thorny, deciduous small tree or shrub, 6 to 30 feet tall.
Leaves 3 to 7-lobed, 1-2 inches long and nearly as broad, resemble mittens or paws.
Flowers grouped in broad, dense, flat-topped clusters and resemble cherry or apple blossoms.
Petals are usually white, sometimes pink.

What's the difference between Hawthorn and Blackthorn?

But there are some key differences: Blackthorn blossoms before its leaves start to show, whereas hawthorn flowers after its leaves have emerged. ... Hawthorn flowers from around April to June. Hawthorn petals are rounded and fuller than those of blackthorn.

How big does a hawthorn tree get?

Most hawthorn trees grow 15 to 30 feet (4.5 to 9 m.) tall—the perfect size for urban gardens.

Is Hawthorn fast growing?

Growth rate of Hawthorn hedging

Crataegus monogyna is a very fast-growing shrub, achieving around 40 – 60cm growth per year, which explains the name Quickthorn!

Can you keep a hawthorn tree small?

Hawthorns grow 18 to 35 feet tall and up to 30 feet wide, and most need pruning to thin out bushy, multiple stems and to keep the tree smaller overall.

What is the fruit of the hawthorn called?

The fruit, or haw, is dark red with one seed. They remain on the branches until the following spring (unless they are eaten).

Are hawthorn tree berries edible?

You just need to know it's a hawthorn, because all hawthorns have edible berries. HOWEVER, like apple seeds, hawthorn seeds contain cyanide, and should not be eaten. ... Berries, leaves and flowers can be used to make a tea.

Are hawthorn berries poisonous to humans?

Well-known member

Haws aren't poisonous, try one, they actually taste quite pleasant, not sweet, more earthy. The new leaves in spring taste the same too and make a nice garnish to a roast instead of parsley. But mabey not to everyones taste.

Can I cut down a hawthorn tree?

Caring for a Hawthorn Tree

It is vital not to over-prune a hawthorn tree as this can stunt its growth, and you must never trim this tree until it is well established and at least 1.5 metres in height. If you want to enhance the May blossom once the tree is mature, prune during the winter.

Is Hawthorn bad luck?

Hawthorn is most deeply rooted in folklore. It was considered bad luck to cut a Hawthorn tree down. Still today, it is not unusual to see a tree or 'Fairy Thorn' standing alone in the middle of a country field.

What is hawthorn berry good for?

Hawthorn is used for diseases of the heart and blood vessels such as congestive heart failure (CHF), chest pain, and irregular heartbeat. It is also used to treat both low blood pressure and high blood pressure, “hardening of the arteries” (atherosclerosis), and high cholesterol.

Are hawthorn berries poisonous to dogs?

Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna)

Hawthorn berries are quite safe for your dog to eat and are used in herbal medicine as a tonic for the heart and was traditionally used to help with a number of heart problems.

Are hawthorn trees good for wildlife?

Hawthorn - Crataegus monogyna

Hawthorn is probably the commonest hedgerow shrub, and can be found throughout the UK. It provides food for more than 150 different insect species, so is a very valuable addition to any wildlife garden. ... Hawthorn is a deciduous species and its young leaves have a distinct 'nutty' flavour.

How long do hawthorn trees live?

Hawthorn may be able to live for 400 years, although 250 may be more typical on many sites. All hawthorn will be ancient from 225 years onwards, although many will have ancient characteristics from around 175 years.

How far apart should Hawthorn be planted?

Plant 9-12ins (23-30cm) apart or for a denser or stock-proof hedge plant in a staggered double row with 15ins (38cm) between rows and 18ins (45cm) between plants.

Does hawthorn make you sleepy?

Hawthorn may act as a calmative. This affects the nervous system and nerve function. It may cause a mild sedative effect. It may also act as a circulatory stimulant.

Can Hawthorn grow in shade?

Hawthorns will grow in most soil types, in sun or light shade.

Can I cut Indian hawthorn to the ground?

Reducing Size

If the Indian hawthorn has outgrown the space in which it was planted, you can reduce its size by heading back and thinning. Cut the longer, taller branches back to their union with another branch or to a bud. ... Pruning will stimulate growth and the plant will fill in quickly.

How do you care for a hawthorn tree?

They do need full sun, especially if being grown for the edible berries, and good drainage.

Water trees enough to keep the soil moist, not dry or muddy. ...
Keep a 2- to 4-inch layer of mulch covering the tree root zone. ...
Fertilize the hawthorn tree with a 10-10-10 fertilizer in the spring before new growth starts.

How do you kill a hawthorn tree?

Pour herbicide specifically designed to kill hawthorn or woody stumps into the holes and across the top of the trunk, covering it completely. Herbicides containing triclopyr amine, triclopyr ester and glyphosate seem to work best on killing hawthorn's woody stumps.