Hawthorn Crataegus monogyna

Names

• Family

  Rosaceae.

• Synonyms

  Common Hawthorn, Single-seeded Hawthorn, May, Mayblossom, Maythorn, Quickthorn, Whitethorn, Motherdie, Haw.

• Common names

  Crataegus apiifolia, Crataegus azarolus, Crataegus bracteata, Crataegus chrysocarpa, Crataegus cordata, Crataegus cuneata, Crataegus dumetorum, Crataegus erythrocarpa, Crataegus flabellata, Crataegus heterophylla, Crataegus hirsuta, Crataegus insititia, Crataegus laciniata, Crataegus laeta, Crataegus laevigata, Crataegus mollis, Crataegus nigra, Crataegus orientalis, Crataegus pentagyna, Crataegus pseudomelanocarpa, Crataegus succulenta, Crataegus turkestanica, Crataegus uniflora, Mespilus monogyna.

Toxicity

• To humans

  Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna) is not typically considered toxic to humans. The berries, leaves, and flowers of hawthorn are often used in herbal remedies for heart conditions, digestive issues, and anxiety. However, the seeds inside the berries contain cyanide-like compounds, and if consumed in large quantities without proper preparation, they could potentially release these compounds and cause poisoning. Symptoms of cyanide poisoning can include nausea, vomiting, dizziness, rapid breathing, headache, confusion, and potentially fatal respiratory issues if ingested in large enough quantities.

• To pets

  Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna) is not generally toxic to pets. Like in humans, the seeds contained within the berries have cyanide-like compounds which can be toxic if consumed in large quantities. Pets, particularly dogs and cats, might experience mild gastrointestinal upset if they consume the berries in significant amounts. Symptoms of cyanide poisoning in pets may include vomiting, diarrhea, difficulty breathing, and lethargy. However, such incidents are rare, as pets would typically need to consume a very large number of seeds to experience serious effects.

Characteristics

• Life cycle

  Perennials

• Foliage type

  Deciduous

• Color of leaves

  Green

• Flower color

  White

• Height

  15-30 feet (4.5-9 meters)

• Spread

  15-30 feet (4.5-9 meters)

• Plant type

  Tree

• Hardiness zones

  4-8

• Native area

  Europe

General Benefits

• Wildlife Habitat: Provides shelter and breeding grounds for birds and small mammals.
• Food Source: Bears edible fruits, known as haws, which are eaten by birds and other wildlife.
• Erosion Control: Its extensive root system helps stabilize soil and prevent erosion.
• Windbreak: Acts as a natural windbreak, protecting smaller plants and reducing wind speed in gardens and fields.
• Privacy Screen: Dense foliage and thorny branches offer a natural privacy screen for properties.
• Landscape Aesthetics: Attractive white flowers and bright red berries provide aesthetic value to landscapes.
• Pollinator Friendly: Flowers attract bees and other beneficial insects that pollinate plants.
• Traditional Craft Uses: Wood and thorns have been used in traditional crafts and as tool-making materials.
• Hedge Plant: Popular choice for creating hedges due to its dense growth and thorny branches.
• Seasonal Interest: Offers year-round interest with changing foliage, flowers, and fruits across seasons.

Medical Properties

• Cardiotonic - Crataegus monogyna, commonly known as Hawthorn, is often used to support heart health.
• Antioxidant - The plant contains antioxidants that help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals.
• Anti-inflammatory - Hawthorn has anti-inflammatory properties that may help reduce inflammation in the body.
• Antihypertensive - It is sometimes used to help lower high blood pressure.
• Antiarrhythmic - Hawthorn may help in preventing or correcting heart rhythm disorders.
• Antispasmodic - The plant can help relieve muscle spasms, including those that affect the digestive and respiratory systems.
• Diuretic - It may promote the excretion of urine, which can be beneficial for certain health conditions.
• Sedative - Hawthorn may have a mild sedative effect, contributing to its use in treating anxiety and sleeping problems.
• Cholesterol-lowering - There is some evidence to suggest that hawthorn can help to lower cholesterol levels.
• Vasodilator - The plant may help widen blood vessels, which can improve blood flow.

Air-purifying Qualities

This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.

Other Uses

• Crataegus monogyna, commonly known as hawthorn, has been used to craft durable woodwork due to its hard and dense wood. It is often used for carving or making tools and handles.
• The thorns of hawthorn have historically been used as fish hooks, particularly before modern fishing technology became widespread.
• Hawthorn's wood burns with a good heat and makes excellent firewood or charcoal, known for burning hot and long.
• The flowers of the hawthorn are sometimes used for decorative purposes, to adorn homes or in the creation of scented garlands and wreaths.
• Fruit of the hawthorn can be used to make a jelly or jam, which is particularly popular in some European culinary traditions.
• Hawthorn branches have been used to make robust and long-lasting rustic furniture items, like chairs and tables.
• In the past, hawthorn hedges were used as a measure to protect small livestock from predators due to the plant's dense growth and sharp thorns.
• The wood of the hawthorn is also used in marquetry and inlay work due to its fine grain and workability.
• Hawthorn can be used in some natural dye making processes; the bark, leaves, and even the fruit can offer varying colors such as blacks, yellows and greens.
• In some cultures, hawthorn has been considered a symbol of hope and was traditionally planted for good luck near homes.

Feng Shui

The Hawthorn is not used in Feng Shui practice.

Zodiac Sign Compitability

The Hawthorn is not used in astrology practice.

Plant Symbolism

• Hope: The hawthorn tree, commonly known as Crataegus monogyna, blooms with white flowers in May symbolizing hope and the return of happiness.
• Protection: Throughout history, hawthorn trees were planted near homes to protect against negative energies and evil spirits.
• Fertility: In ancient times, hawthorn was associated with May Day celebrations, representing fertility and rebirth in springtime.
• Love and Marriage: The hawthorn tree's association with May blossoms links it to love and the celebration of marriage, as May was traditionally the month of weddings.
• Death and the Afterlife: In some cultures, hawthorn trees mark the entrance to the otherworld, representing a connection to the afterlife and the spiritual world.