Midland Hawthorn (Crataegus laevigata)

Midland Hawthorn (Crataegus laevigata)

Also known as 'English hawthorn' or 'woodland hawthorn, Midland hawthorn are found in ancient hedges and woodland edges in Central or Southern England and are much rarer than the closely related Crataegus monogyna.

It's difficult for a non-botanist to tell the difference, but the haws of Midland thorn contain two seeds rather than one, the leaves are less lobed, and it flowers a couple of weeks earlier than its much more common relative.  We are delighted to have found a grower, although they are only available in tiny quantities.

In May, they erupt with masses of pinky-white blossom, and can be identified by shallow-lobed leaves and pinky flowers that do not smell as sweet as those of common hawthorn. Unlike common hawthorn, they have two seeds in each fruit. If grown as a stand alone tree, they will grow to around 8m.

Value For Wildlife

Midland hawthorn provides an ideal refuge and nest site for wildlife; with shield bugs and yellowhammers feasting on the red fruits 'haws' during autumn and winter, and wood mice, slow worms and other small mammals sheltering in the thorny undergrowth.

Don't eat the haws, as the seeds contain toxins which might make you ill.

Plants For Sale

Like all our native trees and hedging, our Midland hawthorn have UK origin and provenance - that's to say they're British grown using seed from trees here. We sell one year old pot grown plants (30-40cm tall), individually, or as a pack of 3.

We recommend using Rootgrow to aid fast and good establishment.

Supplier: Plant Wild, a Plant Healthy certified nursery.

See our planting and size guide  for details and tips on planting.