Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna/laevigata)
Description of Hawthorn:
Hawthorn is a valuable plant with various uses and characteristics. It goes by several common names, including Hawthorn, May, Maythorn, and Whitethorn.
Hawthorn is known for its deeply lobed leaves, small white flowers with an almond-like scent that bloom from May to June, and orange to deep red berries that hang in clusters during the autumn. The smaller branches may have sharp thorns, and mature Hawthorns can resemble trees with gnarled, twisted trunks.
Habitat of Hawthorn:
This plant can be found in a wide range of habitats, including hedgerows, woodlands, waste grounds, and urban areas, and it is native to Europe, Britain, and North Africa.
Food Uses of Hawthorn:
The various parts of the hawthorn plant are edible and have been traditionally used for culinary purposes. The young green leaves have a mild nutty taste and can be used in salads. The flowers are used to make syrups, cordials, preserves, and infusions. Hawthorn berries, known as "Haws," are particularly rich in pectin and are used to make jellies, jams, sweets, and fruit leathers. They can also be used in chutneys, liquors, and wine-making and can even be dried and powdered to make Hawthorn bread. Additionally, the flowers, leaves, and berries can be used to make a herbal infusion.
Medicinal Uses of Hawthorn:
Hawthorn is highly regarded in herbal medicine for its role in treating cardiac and circulatory ailments. It is often referred to as "nutrition for the heart" and is recommended for heart complaints, including angina, poor circulation, hypertension, cardiac muscle weakness, blood pressure disorders, arteriosclerosis, and blood vessel narrowing. The leaves, flowers, and berries are used in various herbal preparations, including tinctures, decoctions, and infusions, as well as food supplements. Hawthorn's bark has also been used to treat malaria and fever.
Other Uses of Hawthorn:
Hawthorn is a valuable plant for multiple purposes. It is used to create secure barriers due to its thorny branches and is traditionally employed for keeping stock in and deterring thieves. The wood of the hawthorn is highly durable and suitable for various applications, such as engraving, carpentry, furniture, boxes, and even boat parts.
Hawthorn plays a significant role in supporting pollinators, nesting hedgerow birds, and serving as a food source for native and migratory birds. Its rich nutritional content has also been recognized in some regions, such as Portugal, where children were given haws to eat. Hawthorn's deep cultural and historical significance has led to its association with May Day festivities, where it was known as the May-Tree or may-blossom. Today, it continues to be valued as a plant for herbalists and foragers of wild edibles.
Safety Note - Hawthorn:
It is important to avoid consuming the seeds of hawthorn, as they contain a cyanogenic compound called amygdalin. The consumption of haws or berries may cause a mild stomach upset. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should consult a qualified medical herbalist if they plan to use hawthorn for medicinal purposes.