Hawthorns
What are they?
These woody members of the rose family (Rosaceae) are all members of the genus Crataegus, which is a large and diverse group of trees and large shrubs. Hawthorns typically have simple, deciduous leaves, often with deeply lobed or toothed margins, small white flowers carried in branched clusters and small, fleshy but hard, red fruits. Most species are thorny.
Where are they found?
The native Common Hawthorn is by far the commonest plant species in hedges throughout the region and is widely planted for the purpose. Otherwise, native plants tend to be trees of successional, scrubby habitats, woodland edge and rough ground. Introduced species are commonly planted as amenity and street trees in towns and cities.
Identification
Hawthorns form a large group of species and cultivated varieties, as well as hybrids, but few of them have been recorded from East Anglia. However, this should be borne in mind if you find a tree that doesn't seem to match the species here. In particular, there are a number of species introduced as amenity and street trees, while recent imports of Common Hawthorn from the continent have proven to contain examples of other, very similar species. Leaf shape is a first starting point, followed by details of the flower structure and flower clusters; these details are given below under each species. Presence or absence of thorns is also useful.
Common Hawthorn Crataegus monogyna
Native. Abundant throughout the region as a native tree of copses, scrub and woodland edge and planted for hedging. Flowers April to May, each flower with the central stigma carried on a single style. Flowers white, but often turning light pink as they fade. Often grown as a street tree in a double-flowered, pinkish-red form. Leaves typically deeply lobed with no teeth on the lower margin.
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Midland Hawthorn Crataegus laevigata
Native on boulder clay in copses and shady places, more common in the south-west of the region and quite scarce in Norfolk except in the south. Sometimes odd plants turn up in hedge plantings. Flowers April to May, each flower with two styles and stigmas. Leaves typically less deeply lobed than those of Common Hawthorn.
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Hybrid Hawthorn Crataegus x media
The hybrid between Common and Midland Hawthorns, occasionally found along shady lanes, woodland edge and copses. Flowers April to May. The styles and stigmas are intermediate between the two parents, some flowers having one, some with two and some with styles that begin as one but then fork. Leaves intermediate between the parents.
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Broad-leaved Cockspurthorn Crataegus persimilis
Introduced from North America. Common and widespread as a planted street tree and occasionally recorded where surviving on more remote roadsides or hedgelines. Flowers May to June, each flower with 2-3 styles and 5-10 stamens; flower stalks hairy. Fruits orange-red, usually lasting on the tree well into winter. Leaves rather broad with irregular teeth on the margin. Plants in cultivation in the UK are a little differnt to wild Crataegus persimilis and are considered to be a cultivated form known as 'Prunifolia'.
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Hybrid Cockspurthorn Crataegus x lavallei
A hybrid formed in cultivation from species native to North America. Common and widespread as a planted street tree and occasionally recorded where surviving on more remote roadsides or hedgelines. Flowers May to June, each flower with 2-3 styles and 5-10 stamens; flower stalks hairless. Fruits rich red, usually falling by early winter. Leaves rather narrow with a tapered base and broad 'shoulders'. The crown of this tree is typically rather broad and spreading and the winter twigs look distinctively densely packed and rather zigzag in appearance.
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