Hawthorn Tree (Crataegus Monogyna)

The Hawthorn tree (Crataegus Monogyna) is one of Britain's most versatile native broadleaf trees, valued for its practical and ecological benefits across a wide range of planting schemes. Hardy, fast-growing, and tolerant of most soils and exposed or coastal conditions, Hawthorn is most widely planted as a dense, stock-proof hedging tree but also grows well as a standalone specimen, reaching up to 15m when left unmanaged. Clusters of white flowers appear between May and June, followed by deep red berries known as haws in autumn, providing a valuable food source for birds throughout winter. For wildlife and conservation planting, few native trees offer the same combination of insect habitat, nesting cover, and year-round seasonal interest.

Hawthorn's dense, thorny habit makes it one of the most effective natural stock-proof barriers available, reducing the need for additional fencing on farms and estates.

As a native species with strong wildlife credentials, Hawthorn is well suited to biodiversity schemes, conservation planting, and grant-funded woodland creation projects.