Crataegus monogyna

Crataegus monogyna, the common hawthorn, is a deciduous shrub or small tree of the Rosaceae family.

Characteristics
A shrub or medium sized tree reaching 5-10 m, sometimes more, with a dense, rounded shape, thorny branches and bright green foliage. The leaves are oval to lanceolate and deeply lobed, dark green above and paler beneath, toothed along the margins. It flowers in spring with dense, fragrant clusters of white to pinkish white blooms much appreciated by bees, followed in autumn by red haws that persist into winter and feed birds.

Growing and care
Extremely tough: sun or light shade and any soil, including poor, calcareous and compacted ground, with good resistance to cold, drought and wind. Prune in late winter, and clip freely when grown as a hedge.

Uses
The classic plant for defensive and mixed country hedges, rural tree lines, wildlife gardens and as a small flowering tree.