Crataegus monogyna aka English Hawthorn

Taxonomy

Crataegus monogyna, commonly known as common hawthorn or one-seed hawthorn, is a species of flowering plant in the rose family Rosaceae. Native to Europe, northwest Africa, and West Asia, it has also been introduced in various regions around the world. This large shrub or small tree can reach heights of up to 8 meters and features lobed leaves and fragrant creamy-white flowers that bloom in late spring or early summer. In autumn, it produces red fruits. Unlike other hawthorn species, Crataegus monogyna has clusters of thorns at the stem nodes, giving the appearance of barbed wire on vigorous juvenile shoots resulting from hard pruning. The common hawthorn has a dense crown, with dull brown bark marked by vertical orange cracks. Its younger stems are adorned with sharp thorns measuring approximately 12.5 mm in length. The obovate leaves range from 20 to 40 mm in length and are deeply lobed, sometimes almost reaching the midrib, with the lobes spreading widely. The upper surface of the leaves is dark green, while the underside is paler. Other names for this plant include may, mayblossom, maythorn, quickthorn, whitethorn, motherdie, and haw.

Common names

English Hawthorn, Hawthorn, Common Hawthorn, Oneseed Hawthorn, Single Seeded Hawthorn

How to care for English Hawthorn

Difficulty

Caring for English Hawthorn is a breeze, as it is highly adaptable and forgiving to minor neglect.

Water

English Hawthorn should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

English Hawthorn loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Lighting

To ensure optimal growth, the English Hawthorn prefers bright indirect light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.

Dormancy

During the cold period, it is common for English Hawthorn to go dormant, resulting in a slowdown of growth. To accommodate this, waterings should be spaced out more.

Toxicity

Ploi lacks confirmed information on the toxicity of this plant. If you, a relative, or your pet accidentally consume plant material with unknown toxicity, it's best to consult a medical expert.

Fertilizer

The English Hawthorn grows at a slow pace and doesn't require any supplementary fertilizers. By renewing its potting soil once a year, it should receive enough nourishment. Remember, plants obtain their energy from sunlight, not fertilizers.

Region of origin

English Hawthorn’s native range is Europe, including Britain, absent from Iceland, south and west the the Mediterranean and Afghanistan.


More info:
Wikipedia