Crataegus Monogyna - Hawthorn

Crataegus monogyna, commonly known as Hawthorn or Quickthorn, is the quintessential British native hedge and small tree, familiar across countryside landscapes. Renowned for its dense, thorny growth, it makes an excellent stock-proof hedge, while also serving as a charming garden tree with ornamental flowers and berries. Hawthorn has been grown for centuries for hedging and continues to provide structural, ecological, and aesthetic value in modern landscaping and agricultural projects.

Highly adaptable, Hawthorn thrives in almost any soil type except waterlogged bogs, tolerates exposed coastal and hillside conditions, and withstands strong winds. Its ovate, glossy dark green leaves turn attractive shades in autumn, while its creamy-white, strongly scented flowers in spring are followed by red haws in autumn and winter, feeding birds such as Blackbirds, Thrushes, Fieldfares, and Waxwings. The hard timber is traditionally used for small articles, boxes, combs, and hedge-laying, while the berries can even be made into liqueurs. Hawthorn also provides rootstock for pears and medlars, and has medicinal value in supporting heart health.

This is the size and type we sell: Crataegus monogyna Hawthorn 20–40cm Cell Grown, Crataegus monogyna Hawthorn 20–40cm 1+0, 30–50cm 1+0 / 1+1, 40–60cm 1+0 / 1+1 / 1u1, and 60–80cm 1+0 / 1+1 / 1u1, professionally grown for hedging, wildlife planting, and ornamental garden use.

Features & Benefits

Native British small tree and dense, thorny hedge

Creamy-white, scented flowers in spring; red berries in autumn/winter

Hardy and adaptable; tolerates almost any soil except bogs

Ideal for stock-proof hedges, woodland edges, and gardens

Timber used for small craft items; roots for traditional uses

Supports insects, pollinators, nesting birds, and winter wildlife

Can be hedge-laid for traditional hedgerow management

Applications

Stock-proof agricultural hedging

Mixed wildlife hedges and naturalistic planting

Woodland edges and parkland planting

Garden ornamental tree with seasonal interest

Council, estate, and landowner planting schemes

Ecological and biodiversity-friendly projects

Height & Spread (Approximate)

After 10 years: 4m height x 3m spread

After 20 years: 8m height x 5m spread

Growth assumes suitable site conditions.

Botanical Name | Crataegus monogyna

Common Name | Hawthorn

Plant Type | Deciduous native shrub/tree

Growth Rate | Medium

Mature Height | Up to 8m+

Mature Spread | Up to 5m

Soil Type | Almost any well-drained soil; avoids bogs

Aspect | Full sun to partial shade

Hardiness | Fully hardy in the UK

Plant Size & Type | 20–40cm Cell Grown / 20–40cm 1+0 / 30–50cm 1+0 / 1+1 / 40–60cm 1+0 / 1+1 / 1u1 / 60–80cm 1+0 / 1+1 / 1u1

Maintenance | Hedge pruning in winter; optional hedge-laying for thickening

Wildlife Value | Flowers attract insects; berries feed birds; bark and stems provide insect habitat