What Are the Different Types of Hawthorn Plant

Hawthorn is a popular plant known for its beautiful flowers and small, red, berry-like fruits. It belongs to the rose family (Rosaceae) and is native to Europe, North America, and Asia. There are many different species of hawthorn, each with its own unique characteristics and uses. In this article, we will explore some of the most common types of hawthorn plants.

1. Common Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna)

The common hawthorn is one of the most widespread species of hawthorn found in Europe, North Africa, and Western Asia. It is a deciduous tree or shrub that can reach heights of up to 10 meters. The leaves are lobed and dark green, turning yellow in autumn. The flowers are white or pink and appear in clusters during late spring.

Common hawthorn is known for its thorny branches, which provide good nesting sites for birds. The fruits are small, red berries called haws that ripen in late summer or early autumn. These berries are rich in antioxidants and have been used in traditional medicine for their cardiovascular benefits.

2. Midland Hawthorn (Crataegus laevigata)

The midland hawthorn is another European species that closely resembles the common hawthorn. It is a small deciduous tree or shrub with lobed leaves and white or pink flowers that bloom in late spring. The fruits are red or orange berries that ripen in late summer or early autumn.

Midland hawthorn is often used as a hedging plant due to its dense growth habit and thorny branches. It can also be grown as an ornamental tree in gardens and parks.

3. Chinese Hawthorn (Crataegus pinnatifida)

As the name suggests, the Chinese hawthorn is native to China and is widely cultivated in East Asia. It is a small deciduous tree with lobed leaves and white flowers that appear in clusters during late spring. The fruits are large, red berries that ripen in autumn and are commonly used in traditional Chinese cooking.

Chinese hawthorn is known for its edible fruits, which are used to make jams, jellies, and herbal teas. The fruits are also believed to have medicinal properties and are used in traditional Chinese medicine to aid digestion and improve cardiovascular health.

4. Washington Hawthorn (Crataegus phaenopyrum)

The Washington hawthorn is a native species of North America, specifically the eastern and central parts of the United States. It is a small deciduous tree with glossy, dark green leaves that turn orange or red in autumn. The flowers are white and appear in clusters during late spring or early summer.

The Washington hawthorn is known for its showy flowers and bright red fruits that persist into winter, providing food for birds. It is often planted as an ornamental tree in gardens and parks due to its attractive appearance.

5. English Hawthorn (Crataegus laevigata)

The English hawthorn, also known as the woodland hawthorn, is a native species of Europe. It is a small deciduous tree or shrub with lobed leaves and white or pink flowers that bloom in late spring. The fruits are red or orange berries that ripen in autumn.

English hawthorn is often used as a hedging plant due to its dense growth habit and thorny branches. It can also be grown as an ornamental tree in gardens and parks. In folklore, it is associated with fertility and protection against evil spirits.

Conclusion

Hawthorn plants are diverse and versatile, with each species offering unique characteristics and uses. Whether for their beautiful flowers, nutritious fruits, or medicinal properties, hawthorn plants have been valued by humans and wildlife alike for centuries. From the common hawthorn to the Chinese hawthorn, each type has its own distinct features that make it a valuable addition to gardens, parks, and natural landscapes. Consider planting a hawthorn in your garden and enjoy the beauty and benefits it provides.