Crataegus monogyna (Common Hawthorn)

Crataegus monogyna (Common Hawthorn or Single-Seed Hawthorn) is a small, deciduous tree with a dense, rounded crown and slightly pendulous branches. They are well armed with thorns, 1 in. long (2.5 cm), and clad with 3-7 lobed, deeply incised, glossy green leaves. In late spring to early summer, a profusion of sweetly scented, creamy-white flowers held in flat sprays provide a spectacular spring floral display. The blossoms are followed by red fruits in fall. This beautiful species is common in hedgerows throughout Great Britain. The young leaves, flower buds, and young flowers are all edible and can be added to salads. The haws can be eaten raw but may cause mild stomach upset. They are most commonly used to make jellies, wines, and ketchups.

• Grows up to 30 ft. tall (9 m) and 25 ft. wide (7.5 m).
• A full sun to part shade lover, this tree is easily grown in moist, well-drained soils. Flowers and fruits are best in full sun.
• Perfect as a specimen tree for cottage gardens, town, coastal, or exposed gardens. It can be used for hedging.
• Requires only minimal pruning in late winter or early spring to remove damaged, diseased, or misplaced growth.
• Keep an eye out for caterpillars, gall mites, aphids, leaf spots, and fireblight.
• Propagate by seed.
• Fruit may cause mild stomach upset if ingested
• Native to Europe, North Africa, western Asia
• Can be invasive since it is a prolific seed producer and can form dense thickets which exclude all understory plants.
• Find where this species is invasive in the United States.
• Discover beautiful U.S. native plant alternatives.