Also known as English Hawthorn · Hawthorn · May
Common hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna) is a thorny deciduous shrub or small tree with white flowers and red berries, native to Europe, northwest Africa, and western Asia.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Full Sun
100% intensity
Prefers full sun for best flowering and fruiting, but tolerates partial shade.
Moderate
50% intensity
Water regularly when young, less frequently once established. Ensure good drainage.
Well-drained, Clay, Loam, Sandy
50% intensity
Adaptable
25% intensity
Hardy across a wide range of temperatures; thrives in temperate climates.
Low
25% intensity
Generally not needed. Use balanced fertilizer lightly in spring if soil is poor.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | No 0/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | No 0/5 intensity |
| Edible | Yes |
The fruit flesh (haws) is edible when cooked, but the seeds contain cyanogenic glycosides and are toxic if ingested. The plant is generally considered non-toxic to common pets like dogs, cats, and horses.
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Water regularly, especially during the first year, to establish a strong root system. Once established, common hawthorn is drought-tolerant, but benefits from occasional watering during prolonged dry spells.
Ensure good drainage to prevent waterlogging.
Prune to shape the tree and remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches. The best time for major pruning is in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
Light trimming can be done after flowering to maintain shape. Avoid heavy pruning during flowering season.
Common hawthorn can be propagated by seed, which requires a period of stratification (cold, moist treatment). Semi-hardwood cuttings taken in summer and treated with rooting hormone can also be successful.
Grafting onto rootstock is another common method for specific cultivars.
Repotting is typically only necessary for container-grown young plants that have become root-bound. This is best done in late winter or early spring before new growth emerges.
Use a well-draining potting mix and a slightly larger container.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Common Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna)
Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Rosales |
| Family | Rosaceae |
| Genus | Crataegus |
| Species | Crataegus monogyna |
Similar in genus Crataegus
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
