The Common Hawthorn of
Europe, North Africa, West
- Family: Rosaceae
- Origin: Europe, N. African, W. Asia
- Common Name: Hawthorn or May
- Mature Height: 20m.
, is widely spread in lowland areas and is the first
hedges for they are impenetrable when laid. It belongs to the
Rosaceae. It was considered to be one of the sacred trees of old and
was thought in more recent times to bring ill luck to have a flowering
shoot in the house. Crataegus monogyna can grow to a great age. The
wood is durable and has been used for walking sticks, handles and in
wood turning. Berries attract a wide variety of birds and can be made
into wine . Sometimes pink flowering forms occur naturally in farm
hedgerows. This is the plant which relates to the saying: 'Ne'er shed a
clout till May is oot' for May is another of its common name.