We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Gardening

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What Is English Hawthorn?

By Angie Bates
Updated: May 16, 2024
Views: 5,887
Share

An English hawthorn is a type of small tree in the rose family. Popular in North America, the English hawthorn is native to Europe. Although historically these trees were used for medicinal purposes, they are more often used now for landscaping. The scientific name of the English hawthorn is Crataegus laevigata.

Deciduous, English hawthorns can reach heights of 15-20 feet (4.6—6.1 m), with a nearly equal width, if left unpruned. Their leaves are dark green and alternate on the stem. Rounded and lobed, the leaves are usually between 1.5 and 2.5 inches (3.8—6.35 cm) long. They are said to resemble small oak leaves. The English hawthorn's branches have 1 inch (2.54 cm) long thorns protruding at intervals.

In May, clusters of white flowers bloom in corymbs. Corymbs are flower clusters which appear to be flat on top. Each flower is small and has five rounded, slightly overlapping petals. In early fall, small red fruit forms. The berries are about 0.5 inches (1.27 cm) across and attract a variety of birds.

Frequently used as specimen trees or to line sidewalks or streets in commercial areas, these plants may also be pruned into shrubs and used as hedges. When used as a specimen tree, one plant is usually placed in an open area and allowed to grow naturally with minimal or no pruning. English Hawthorns used to line streets, however, must have their lower branches pruned regularly.

Easy to grow, English hawthorns prefers fertile soil but will grow in most soils, including clay. They are drought tolerant and do best in full sunlight. Propagation can be achieved by cuttings, but in the wild, birds distribute their seeds after eating the fruit. Since the plant is so easy to grow, however, in some areas, particularly in the Pacific region of the United States, it is considered a pest species.

The English hawthorn is susceptible to a wide variety of diseases and pests. Leaf spot and leaf blight are the main diseases that affect these plants. Pests include tent caterpillars, spider mites, pear slugs, and aphids. Leaf miners and borers are also a problem for these trees.

Several cultivars and hybrids have been developed that purport to be disease resistant. The crimson cloud and Paul's scarlet cultivars both have been shown to have some resistance to leaf blight. They also may be desired for their red or red and white flowers. Two hybrids, called snowbird and toba, are also said to be disease resistant, but there is less evidence to support this claim.

Share
HomeQuestionsAnswered is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Discussion Comments
Share
https://www.homequestionsanswered.com/what-is-english-hawthorn.htm
Copy this link
HomeQuestionsAnswered, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

HomeQuestionsAnswered, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.