Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna/laevigata)

Common Names of Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna/laevigata):

Hawthorn, Maythorn, Whitethorn, Thornapple, Quickthorn

Hawthorn is a valuable, deciduous tree or shrub in the Rosaceae family, known for its numerous uses and distinctive features:

Leaves: Small, deeply lobed, and serrated. The young leaves have a mild nutty flavor and can be eaten.
Flowers: Small, white or pinkish flowers with five petals, emitting an almond-like scent, usually blooming from May to June in clusters called corymbs.
Fruits: Berries known as "haws," which range from orange to deep red, and are rich in pectin. They mature in late summer to autumn (September to November).
Thorns: Sharp, woody thorns on smaller branches.
Bark: Gnarled and twisted in mature trees, lending them a resilient appearance.
Height: Can grow as a shrub or small tree, typically reaching 5-15 meters.

Blackthorn (Prunus spinosa): Similar white flowers and thorny branches, but has smaller, darker fruits (sloes) and different leaf shapes.
Rowan (Sorbus aucuparia): Also has white flowers and red berries but lacks thorns and features pinnate leaves.
Wild Rose (Rosa spp.): Comes with thorns and similar fruits, but the rose hips differ in shape and leaf structure.

Crataegus: Derived from the Greek word "kratos," meaning strength, in reference to the hard wood of the tree.

Hawthorn thrives in a variety of habitats:

The different parts of the hawthorn plant are edible and have been used in culinary practices for generations:

Young Leaves: Mild nutty flavor, can be added to salads or eaten raw.
Flowers: Flowers are used to make syrups, cordials, preserves, and herbal infusions.
Berries (Haws): Rich in pectin, commonly used in jellies, jams, sweets, fruit leathers, chutneys, liqueurs, and wines. Can also be dried and ground to make hawthorn flour for bread. All parts can be brewed into teas and other herbal infusions.

Hawthorn is highly regarded for its medicinal properties, particularly for heart health:

Heart and Circulatory Health: Known as "nutrition for the heart," used to treat angina, poor circulation, hypertension, and blood pressure disorders.
Tinctures, Decoctions, Infusions: Leaves, flowers, and berries are used in various herbal preparations and dietary supplements.
Historical Uses: The bark was historically used to treat malaria and fever.

Hawthorn serves multiple roles beyond food and medicine:

Livestock and Security Barriers: Thorny branches create secure barriers, traditionally used to contain livestock and deter thieves.
Wood: Durable, used in carpentry, furniture, engraving, boxes, and boat components.
Wildlife Support: Provides nesting sites for birds and food for pollinators and native or migratory birds.
Cultural Significance: Associated with May Day festivities, known as the May-Tree or may-blossom. Children in Portugal, for example, were given haws to eat.

While generally safe, some precautions should be noted:

Seeds: Avoid consuming seeds as they contain a cyanogenic compound called amygdalin, which can release cyanide when digested.
Mild Stomach Upset: Excessive consumption of haws might cause stomach upset.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Women should consult a qualified medical herbalist before using hawthorn medicinally during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Timing: Harvest flowers and leaves in spring, berries in late summer to autumn.
Tools: Use scissors or pruning shears to cut branches and gather berries. Wear gloves to protect from thorns.
Sustainability: Harvest responsibly to ensure local populations remain vigorous. Leave some berries for wildlife.

Flowers & Leaves:
- Fresh Use: Use immediately for best flavor and efficacy.
- Drying: Dry in a cool, dark place and store in airtight containers.
Berries:
- Fresh Use: Suitable for various recipes.
- Drying: Dry for teas and tinctures; store in airtight containers.
- Freezing: Freeze for long-term storage.

Ethical Foraging: Always get permission if foraging on private property and follow local regulations.
Proper Identification: Ensure correct identification to avoid mistaking hawthorn for toxic lookalikes.
Thorns: Wear gloves to protect from thorns while foraging.