Crataegus, commonly called hawthorn, quickthorn, thornapple, May-tree, whitethorn, Mayflower or hawberry, is a genus of several hundred species of shrubs and trees in the family Rosaceae, native to temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere in Europe, Asia, North Africa and North America. Hawthorns are excellent for wildlife; they provide food for many species of birds and mammals with their fruit, and their dense branches offer shelter and nesting sites.
Hawthorn trees are small to medium-sized, ranging from 5 to 15 meters (16 to 49 feet) in height, though some species can grow larger. They often have a dense, rounded canopy with a somewhat irregular shape when not pruned. Some species can be more shrub-like. The bark is often grey and smooth when young, becoming rough and scaly with age.
The leaves are usually lobed or serrated, and they can vary significantly between species. Some have deeply cut leaves, while others might have more shallow lobes. Green during the growing season, they can turn to yellow, orange, or red in the fall, depending on the species and climate.
Typically in late spring (May in the Northern Hemisphere). Flowers are usually white, but can also be pink or red in some species or cultivars. They are grouped in clusters (corymbs) and have a distinctive, often described as musky or sweet scent. Each flower has five petals, numerous stamens, and is usually about 1 cm in diameter.
Fruits ofted called “haws,” are small, apple-like in size and can range from red to black, depending on the species. They ripen in late summer to autumn and are often retained on the tree well into winter. Haws are edible, though not always palatable raw; they’re used for jams, jellies, wines, and herbal medicine.
Types of Hawthorn trees
Crataegus monogyna – Common Hawthorn
- Description: A small tree or shrub with deeply lobed leaves, white flowers in spring, and red berries in autumn. Noted for its dense, thorny branches, often used for hedging.
- Native Area: Europe, northwest Africa, and western Asia.
Crataegus laevigata – Midland Hawthorn
- Description: Similar to C. monogyna but with less deeply lobed leaves, more pinkish flowers, and often two seeds in its red fruit. Cultivars like ‘Paul’s Scarlet’ have double red flowers.
- Native Area: Primarily Western and Central Europe.
Crataegus phaenopyrum – Washington Hawthorn
- Description: Known for its autumnal display with bright red berries and orange to scarlet fall foliage. It has white flowers in late spring. Thorns are relatively long.
- Native Area: Southeastern United States.
Crataegus crus-galli – Cockspur Hawthorn
- Description: Features very long thorns (up to 8 cm), glossy leaves, and a broad, flat-topped crown. The fruit is red and persists into winter, providing good bird habitat.
- Native Area: Eastern North America.
Crataegus mollis – Downy Hawthorn
- Description: Recognizable by its large, downy leaves and large red fruits. The tree has a more open structure with less thorniness compared to other hawthorns.
- Native Area: Central United States.
Crataegus douglasii – Black Hawthorn
- Description: This species has blackish fruit, unlike the typical red of most hawthorns. It has a shrub-like growth habit but can become a small tree.
- Native Area: Pacific Northwest of North America.
Crataegus pinnatifida – Chinese Hawthorn
- Description: Notable for its large, edible fruits, which are tart and used in culinary dishes, jams, and traditional medicine. The tree has fewer thorns than many species.
- Native Area: East Asia, particularly China.
Crataegus viridis – Green Hawthorn
- Description: Often cultivated for its ‘Winter King’ cultivar, which has silvery bark, good disease resistance, and persistent red fruit offering winter interest.
- Native Area: Eastern and central United States.
Crataegus azarolus – Azarole Hawthorn
- Description: It produces fruit that can be yellow or red, larger than most hawthorn berries, and is somewhat apple-like in taste, used for jams and liqueurs.
- Native Area: Mediterranean region.
Crataegus cuneata – Japanese Hawthorn
- Description: Smaller leaves with a cuneate (wedge-shaped) base, less commonly seen outside of its native range, but valued in bonsai for its delicate features.
- Native Area: Japan.
Crataegus punctata – Dotted Hawthorn
- Description: The fruit has distinct dots or speckles, and the tree has a somewhat upright form with less dense foliage than some other hawthorns.
- Native Area: Eastern North America.
Crataegus marshallii – Parsley Hawthorn
- Description: Unique for its finely cut, almost parsley-like leaves, red fruit, and good ornamental value with its delicate appearance.
- Native Area: Southeastern United States.