Hawthorn, Quickthorn (Crataegus monogyna)

Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna)

Hawthorn also known as Quickthorn, May or Whitethorn (Crataegus monogyna) is king of the native hedge. It has to be one of the toughest plants in the UK - hawthorn will grow anywhere in the country and in any soil except a bog. The many names by which Hawthorn is known are indicative of the fact that it grows well across the UK. Hawthorn is the foundation of all mixed country hedging especially stock and people proof hedges - it carries throns and its wiry strength as a hedging plant makes it ideal for laying.

Hawthorn is still used to decorate May poles today, and in medieval times Hawthorn was credited with a wide range of powers. Spring brides carried Hawthorn to increase fertility while Irish fisherman took Hawthorn on board to increase their catch. Along with Oak and Ash, Hawthorn was part of the fairy triad and fairies were often seen where all three trees grew together. Hawthorn hedges brought luck while Hawthorn trees protected houses from evil ghosts. Which is strange, since witches performed their rites under.... Hawthorn trees.

When it is left untrimmed, Hawthorn is a pleasantly shaped small spreading tree of up to 8 metres in height. It is covered in single fragrant white flowers in spring and red, edible (but rather tasteless) fruit in autumn. Hawthorn leaves are glossy green above, almost blue below and three lobed. It is more generally grown as a hedging plant however, spaced at 3 per metre in a single row and at 5 plants per metre in a double one.

You can also find specimen Hawthorn such as Paul's Scarlet and Plena from 3 metres upwards in our Big Tree section

For multiples of 50 Hawthorn plants for hedging, please take a look at our Hawthorn hedging packs.  We also sell packs of 50 plants of mixed hedging containing Hawthorn and five other native hedge plants. These are more economical than making up your own mix. If you would like to buy one or more of these, take a look at our Conservation Hedge packs or for a hedge mix with a higher proportion of Hawthorn, fewer other hedging varieties, slightly younger and smaller plants and a lower price per plant why not try our Economy Hedging pack.