Whether blooming with delicate white or pink flowers in the spring or adorned with vibrant red berries in the autumn, Hawthorn trees captivate the imagination and inspire reverence for the wonders of the natural world.

To know more about hawthorn, let's take a look at these 15 interesting facts about hawthorn.

1.
Hawthorn is also known as may, mayblossom, and maythorn.
It is undoubtedly one of the May birth flowers!

2.
There are many varieties of hawthorn, including common hawthorn, smooth hawthorn, and cockspur hawthorn.
The latter is known for its long thorns, which can grow up to 3 inches (8 cm) long!

3.
Hawthorn typically bloom in late spring to early summer, producing clusters of fragrant white, pink, or red flowers.

4.
The hawthorn plant can produce berries. They are usually red and have a tangy, mildly sweet taste. They're high in antioxidants and may even help lower your blood pressure and improve your skin!

5.
Hawthorn trees are deciduous, shedding their leaves in the autumn months before regrowing them in the spring.
Most hawthorn species feature dense, thorny branches, which serve as protection against browsing animals and make them useful for creating impenetrable hedges.

6.
Hawthorns also act as a protective barrier against unwanted cattle and wildlife due to their thorny, hardwood characteristics. This makes them ideal for small birds to nest in and stay safe from predators.

7.
In 1944 there was more than 1,500 square miles of hedgerows in Normandy, the hawthorns were so thick and dense that sharpened steel blades had to be welded to the front of almost 600 tanks.

8.
The hawthorn was widely believed to possess supernatural powers up until the 19th century.

9.
The hawthorn tree itself has been a symbol of hope for many people worldwide.
Its branches were supposedly used during wedding processions in ancient times in Greece.
In contrast, however, others believe it is a very unlucky plant that could lead to illness and death.

10.
Hawthorn berries, leaves, and flowers have been used in traditional herbal medicine for centuries to support heart health and improve circulation.

11.
J. K. Rowling's famous characters, Harry Potter and Draco Malfoy, used wands made from hawthorn.

12.
Hawthorns are hermaphrodites because they contain both male and female reproductive parts within the same flower.
This is not the case for all plants, making hawthorns even more special!

13.
Traditionally, hawthorns were associated with May Day (May 1), a European festival with pagan origins that marks the beginning of spring. Hawthorn flowers were used to make garlands, which were worn by those attending the festival.

14.
In the Brothers Grimm's version of Sleeping Beauty, a huge hawthorn hedge grows around the castle to prevent anyone from entering. Up until the hero of the tale arrives, all suitors perish in their attempts to pass through the hedge.

15.
Located in Norfolk, England, Hethel Old Thorn is one of the oldest hawthorns in the country, dating back to the 13th century. It is located in its very own nature reserve, which is one of the smallest in the United Kingdom!

Sources
Woodland trust / Britannica - Hawthorn / Healthline / Wikipedia - Crataegus monogyna / Wikipedia - Crataegus / Yale University Press / Language of Flowers / Trees for Life / Norfolk Wildlife Trust / Harry Potter Fandom / All Poetry / Wikipedia - Thomas Cowherd