English Hawthorn

(Crataegus laevigata)

English Hawthorn (Crataegus laevigata)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Crataegus laevigata, commonly known as English Hawthorn, is a deciduous tree or large shrub native to Europe, particularly found in open woodlands and along forest edges. It typically grows to 8 meters (26 feet) with a dense, rounded crown. The species thrives in a variety of soil types, though it prefers well-drained soils and can tolerate both full sun and part shade conditions. English Hawthorn is notable for its hermaphrodite flowers, which are produced in corymbs of 6 to 12. Each flower has five white or pale pink petals, contributing to the tree’s ornamental value, and two or sometimes three styles. Flowering occurs in late spring, and the flowers are pollinated by insects, making it beneficial for supporting local pollinator populations.

The plant’s dark red pomes, measuring 6–10 mm (0.2–0.4 inches), are also visually appealing, though they are not widely recognized for culinary use. English Hawthorn is valued for its dense foliage and attractive flowers, making it suitable for use as a hedge or in urban and residential settings for ornamental purposes. It is relatively easy to maintain, requiring only moderate watering once established. However, gardeners should be aware that it can be potentially invasive in some regions outside its native range, and it is susceptible to fungal diseases such as leaf spot and rust, as well as pests like aphids and borers.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Tree, Shrub
  • Height: 15-20 feet
  • Width: 15-20 feet
  • Growth Rate: Moderate
  • Flower Color: Pink, Red, White
  • Flowering Season: Spring
  • Leaf Retention: Deciduous

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
  • Water: Medium
  • Drainage: Slow, Medium, Fast

Common Uses

Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Edible*Disclaimer: Easyscape's listed plant edibility is for informational use. Always verify the safety and proper identification of any plant before consumption., Fragrant, Hedges, Hummingbird Garden, Rabbit Resistant, Salt Tolerant, Showy Flowers, Street Planting

Natural Habitat

Open woodlands and forest edges, with hermaphrodite flowers in late spring, valued for dense foliage and ornamental use, with a warning about potential invasiveness and susceptibility to diseases and pests

Other Names

Common Names: Midland Hawthorn, Woodland Hawthorn, Mayflower, Almindelig Hvidtjørn, Zweigriffliger Weissdorn, Pyöröorapihlaja, Aubépine À Deux Styles, Aubépine Épineuse, Parkhagtorn, Tweestijlige Meidoorn

Scientific Names: , Crataegus laevigata, Crataegus laevigata subsp. laevigata, Crataegus oxyacanthoides, Oxyacantha vulgaris, Crataegus palmstruchii, Crataegus laevigata subsp. palmstruchii, Crataegus coriacea, Crataegus monogyna var. rosea, Crataegus oxyacantha var. oxyacanthoides

GBIF Accepted Name: Crataegus laevigata (Poir.) DC.