Crataegus monogyna (Hawthorn Berry) is a deciduous tree that is native to parts of Europe, Asia and Africa. Due to their thorny branches, Hawthorn Berry trees are widely used as a hedge or screen, but the plant is also a source for alternative medicines and prized as a bonsai specimen.
Suitable for Cold and Temperate, Dry and Sub-Tropical climates.
Crataegus monogyna is also known as Common Hawthorn or One-Seed Hawthorn. The native range includes most of Europe, western regions of Asia and northwestern Africa suggesting the species can adapt to a wide range of soils and climates.
For more medicinal varieties click here.
For more varieties that are ideal for bonsai growing click here.
Growth
Crataegus monogyna is a small flowering, deciduous tree that grows to a maximum height of 6 metres (19 feet) and has a similar spread. Mature Hawthorn Berry trees contain many branches and a dense crown. Younger stems have sharp thorns that form effective barriers for livestock and make the species popular for use as a thick hedge or border plant.
Leaves of the Hawthorn Berry are long, obovate and deeply lobed, with the upper surface being a much darker green than the underside. Mature trees are tolerant of strong winds and air pollution while also being drought-resistant and cold hardy.
Once the trees reach an age of between 7-10 years flowering occurs during early Summer with the berries forming through Autumn. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Midges.
Note: Germination instructions can be found in the ‘Germination Instructions Tab’ below. Upon purchase you will receive these detailed instructions via email so that you have a permanent record.
FAMILY:
Rosaceae
CLIMATE:
Cold and Temperate climate
TEMPERATURE RANGE:
-18 to 25°C / 0 to 77°F
SOIL TYPE:
Soil must be well draining.
LOCATION:
Full Sun, part-shade while still young.
HEIGHT:
Up to 6 metres (19 feet)
WIDTH:
Up to 6 metres (19 feet)
pH:
6.0-7.5
GROWTH TYPE:
Deciduous
WATER REQUIREMENTS:
Medium
POLLINATION:
Pollinated by flies.
MATURITY:
7-10 Years
GERMINATION RATES:
50-65%
GERMINATION TIME:
Soak 24 hours
Warm Stratification for 4 weeks
Cold Stratification for 12 weeks, post sowing germination averages around 4-6 weeks.
GERMINATION DIFFICULTY:
Hard-Difficult
SEEDS PER GRAM:
8
MEDICINAL QUALITIES:
Yes
WEED POTENTIAL:
Yes
EDIBLE:
Yes.
SEED STORGE & VIABILITY:
Cold Storage at 4°C (Fridge) up to 3 years.
FACTS ABOUT CRATAEGUS MONOGYNA (Hawthorn Berry)
Fruits of the Hawthorn Berry are colloquially called haws and are edible raw, but are more commonly made into jams, syrups and jellies. They have a similar shape to a small olive or grape and turn red once they are ripe. Unlike others in the Crataegus genus, the berries contain only one seed giving rise to the common name One-Seed Hawthorn.
Hawthorn Berry trees are said to make a quality firewood that produces good heat with very little smoke.
One Hawthorn specimen is supposedly the oldest tree species living in France and is found next to the church at Saint Mars sur la Futaie, Mayenne. There is an inscription on a plaque that reads: “This Hawthorn is probably the oldest tree in France”. It is suggested that the tree was first planted in the third century which is impossible to verify. There are verified reports of specimens living as long as 400-500 years across Europe.
The sprigs, berries, leaves and flowers of the Crataegus monoygna plant are widely used in traditional medicine and is commonly referred to as ‘food for the heart’. It is said that the Hawthorn berries help increase blood flow to the heart muscles and restores normal function. Primarily the medicine is taken via a herbal tea or as a tincture.
For information about the medicinal properties of the Hawthorn Berry click here.
