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CRATAEGUS
Commonly known as Hawthorn, Tansy-leaved thorn
All Flower MAY
Genus of 140 or more species of usually spiny, deciduous, sometimes semi-evergreen trees and shrubs found in woodland and scrub in northern temperate regions.
The well-known small tree provides food and shelter for a myriad of insects, mammals and birds as well as foodstuffs and medicine throughout history.
In the 18th and 19th centuries hawthorn saplings were propagated on a massive scale to provide boundaries for the Inclosure Acts where almost 7 million acres of land were enclosed.
Superstition and folklore abounds in a genus which is so widespread.
Full Plant Details - Sun/Soil & other attributes - Click to close
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Floweringlocal_floristJanlocal_floristFeblocal_floristMarlocal_floristAprlocal_floristMaylocal_floristJunlocal_floristJullocal_floristAuglocal_floristSeplocal_floristOctlocal_floristNovlocal_floristDec
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BerriesThese plants have berries.
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Good to know
Wildlife plant - birds, bees and other insects -
Pests & Diseases
Caterpillars, aphids, gall midges, fireblight, honey fungus, rust, powdery mildew -
Place of origin
Western Asia -
DeciduousObovate to diamond-shaped, grey-green leaves to 2.5cm (1in) long, with 5-7 narrowly oblong, finely divided lobes
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White
With red anthers -
Fully hardy
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Lobed
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Obovate
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Height
10m (33ft) -
Spread
8m (26ft)
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TreeRounded to broadly upright, usually thornless tree with stout shoots. Produces rounded corymbs of 6-8 flowers to 2.5cm (1in) across, followed by spherical, aromatic, orange-yellow fruit 2-2.5cm (¾-1in) across
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Pruning group 1
Suitable for: Deciduous and evergreen trees, and some deciduous shrubs.
Pruning: Minimal pruning required. Prune wayward or crossing branches to maintain a healthy framework.
When: When dormant in the late winter/early spring. Some in the summer/autumn to prevent bleeding of sap.
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Hardy - very cold winter
Hardy in all of UK and northern Europe. Plant can possibly withstand temperatures down to -20°C (-4°F) -
Scented flowers
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Autumn Seasonal Interest
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Summer Seasonal Interest
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Tolerates allAny soil except waterlogged
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Full sun
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Partial shade
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Rounded to broadly columnar
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Bee friendly
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Bird friendly
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Mature Size10m (33ft)
8m (26ft)
View Planting Tips and Care Advice
Crataegus - Growing Guide
