Arcaidan Archives

Hawthorn   (May blossom).

An established tree or hedge in full bloom is a splendid sight. Flowers have a light fragrance that can be pleasantly sweet or slightly pungent. This is the scent that attracts a wide range of pollinating insects and one of the reasons why hawthorn is often included in wildlife gardens. Whether grown as a specimen tree or used for hedging, it is well worth including a member of the hawthorn genus, botanically known as Crataegus, in your garden. Increasing insect life also helps to attract more song birds.

Many modern hybrids have been introduced by plant breeders but native species of hawthorn are steeped in traditions and that stretch back for centuries. C. monogyana is the species most commonly seen growing as hedges bordering fields and roadsides. In late spring, its white, starry blossom is a beautiful sight and, in many areas, it is simply and descriptively known as May blossom. Hawthorn was the first choice for a maypole on village greens where celebrations took place on the first day of May to celebrate the beginning of summer. Before our present, Gregorian Calendar was introduced, the first day of May would have fallen a couple of weeks later than it does now.

This tree was, however, traditionally revered for more than its blossom. Ancient Greek physicians made compresses from the roots of hawthorn to draw out splinters and thorns from the skin, and several modern, heart medicines include an extract of dried hawthorn flowers. The exceptionally hard wood of this tree has also been highly valued throughout the centuries; rather gruesomely, it was the preferred wood for making execution blocks for public beheadings.

If not fashioned into a hedge, hawthorn will form an attractive, specimen tree. It is extremely hardy, and although late spring or early summer blossom is its main feature, it also produces a crop of small, red berries in autumn. Young shoots are armed with robust, needle-sharp thorns – something that should be considered if you are planting hawthorn in a small garden where children might be playing.

One of the most spectacular hawthorns is "Paul’s Scarlet". It produces an abundance of dark pink, double flowers in large clusters. The depth of colour is shown off to perfection against a backdrop of glossy, dark green foliage.