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Midland Hawthorn

(Crataegus laevigata)

In May, our hedgerows and woodland edges burst into life as Midland Hawthorn erupts with masses of pinky-white blossom. During the autumn, red fruits known as 'haws' appear.

©Philip Precey
Midland Hawthorn

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Overview

Midland Hawthorn is a shrub of ancient hedgerows and woodland edges, and is also known as ‘Woodland Hawthorn’. In May, midland hawthorn erupts with masses of pinky-white blossom. During the autumn and winter, red fruits known as ‘haws’ appear.

Key Facts

  • Midland Hawthorn has shallow-lobed leaves, and pinky flowers that do not smell as sweet as those of Common Hawthorn. Unlike Common Hawthorn, it has two seeds in each fruit and is more frequently found in woodland.
  • Midland Hawthorn is a rich habitat for all kinds of wildlife, from Hawthorn Shield Bugs and Yellowhammers that feed on the haws, to Wood Mice and Slow Worms that shelter in the thorny thickets.
  • Much folklore and myth surrounds hawthorn trees: it is considered bad luck to cut them, except when they are in flower, but even then, it is said that sprigs should not be brought into the house.
  • Height: 8-12m

Status

Common.

Seasonality

All year round

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