Hawthorn / Quickthorn Hedging - Crataegus monogyna

Hawthorn, Quickthorn Hedging- Crataegus monogyna

Hawthorn or Crataegus monogyna is the toughest hedging plant in the UK. Hawthorn will grow anywhere in the country and in any soil except a bog. The many names by which it is known - Quickthorn, May, Whitethorn are indicative of the fact that it grows well across the UK. Hawthorn hedge plants are the foundation of all mixed country hedging especially stock and people proof hedgesthey carry thorns and their wiry strength makes them ideal for laying.

Hawthorn is still used to decorate May poles today, and in medieval times Hawthorn was credited with a wide range of powers. Spring brides carried Hawthorn to increase fertility while Irish fisherman took Hawthorn on board to increase their catch. Along with Oak and Ash, Hawthorn was part of the fairy triad and fairies were often seen where all three trees grew together. Hawthorn hedges brought luck while Hawthorn trees protected houses from evil ghosts. Which is strange, since witches performed their rites under.... Hawthorn trees.

When it is left untrimmed, Hawthorn is a pleasantly shaped small spreading tree of up to 8 metres in height. It is covered in single fragrant white flowers in spring and red, edible - but rather tasteless fruit in autumn. Hawthorn leaves are glossy green above, almost blue below and three lobed. It is more generally grown as a hedging plant however, spaced at 3 per metre in a single row and at 5 plants per metre in a double one.

For specimen Hawthorn such as Paul's Scarlet and Plena from 3 metres upwards have a browse through our Ornamental Trees.

You can buy hawthorn more economically in multiples of 50 - take a look at our hawthorn hedge packs.