Hawthorn (Crataegus), also known as thornapple, May-tree, whitethorn, or hawberry, is a versatile genus of shrubs and small trees in the Rosaceae family 🌳. Native to temperate regions across Europe, Asia, and North America, hawthorn has been cherished for centuries for its medicinal, culinary, ornamental, and cultural value. The name “haw” originates from Old English, meaning hedge, reflecting its common use as a boundary plant.
Hawthorns generally grow 5–15 meters (16–49 ft) tall, with thorny branches and small pome fruits. The bark of young trees is smooth and grey, developing shallow fissures with age. Leaves are spirally arranged on long shoots, often lobed or serrated, while the small, sharp-tipped thorns typically range from 1–3 cm in length. The fruit, called a “haw,” is berry-like but structurally a pome, containing 1–5 seeds resembling small stones of plums or peaches 🍒.
Crataegus pinnatifida (Chinese hawthorn): bright red, tart fruits used in snacks such as haw flakes and tanghulu, jams, juices, and alcoholic beverages.
Crataegus mexicana (Mexican hawthorn): fruits eaten raw, cooked, or in jam; used in Christmas punch and candies like rielitos.
Southern US mayhaws: made into jellies, prized for flavor.
Leaves are edible when young and can be used in salads.
Hawthorns are popular ornamental trees and street plants, with cultivars selected for their beautiful pink or red flowers. They are excellent for water-conservation landscaping and hedges. Hybrid varieties allow grafting of multiple species onto a single trunk, producing diverse flowers and fruits 🌸.
Hawthorn has a long history of medicinal use, particularly in supporting cardiovascular health. Active compounds include:
Flavonoids: vitexin, rutin, quercetin, hyperoside
OPCs (oligomeric proanthocyanidins): epicatechin, procyanidin B-2
Triterpene acids: ursolic, oleanolic, crataegolic acids
Phenolic acids: caffeic, chlorogenic acids
Research shows hawthorn extracts may improve heart function, reduce fatigue, lower blood pressure, and increase exercise tolerance. Some clinical studies demonstrated benefits for chronic heart failure and cardiovascular support, although further research is ongoing.
Side effects: Overdose may cause cardiac arrhythmia and hypotension. Mild side effects include nausea and sedation. Patients taking Digoxin should avoid hawthorn.
Hawthorns provide food and shelter for birds and mammals, and nectar for insects. The haws are especially important in winter for thrushes and waxwings, which disperse the seeds through droppings. Many Lepidoptera species feed on hawthorn leaves 🌿.
Wood: hard, rot-resistant; historically used for tool handles and fence posts.
Grafting: compatible with medlar and pear; makes a hardy rootstock.
Hawthorn has deep roots in European folklore. In Celtic and Gaelic traditions, it is associated with fairies, love, and protection. Cutting hawthorn outside of bloom is considered unlucky. The tree also appears in wedding customs, May Day decorations, and was believed to have inspired the crown of thorns in Christian legend ✨.
Internal link → Exotic Seeds Store – Hawthorn
External link → Hawthorn – Wikipedia
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