Share

Midland Hawthorn

©Philip Precey

Midland hawthorn

+ -
In May, our hedgerows and woodland edges burst into life as Midland hawthorn erupts with masses of pinky-white blossom. During the autumn, red fruits known as 'haws' appear.

Scientific name

Crataegus laevigata

When to see

January to December

Top facts

Stats

Height: 8-12m
Common.

About

Midland hawthorn is a shrub of ancient hedgerows and woodland edges, and is also known as 'Woodland hawthorn'. In May, Midland Hawthorn erupts with masses of pinky-white blossom. During the autumn and winter, red fruits known as 'haws' appear. Midland Hawthorn is a rich habitat for all kinds of wildlife, from Hawthorn shield bugs and Yellowhammers that feed on the haws, to Wood mice and Slow worms that shelter in the thorny thickets.

What to look for

Midland hawthorn has shallow-lobed leaves, and pinky flowers that do not smell as sweet as those of Common hawthorn. Unlike Common hawthorn, it has two seeds in each fruit and is more frequently found in woodland.

Where to find

Found in Central and Southern England.

Did you know?

Much folklore and myth surrounds hawthorn trees: it is considered bad luck to cut them, except when they are in flower, but even then, sprigs should not be brought into the house.