Armoured Hawthorn Crataegus monogyna 'Ferox'
ABOUT
The plant is known as Common Hawthorn 'Ferox'. It's a distinctive variety due to its unique leaf and thorn structure. The leaves are deeply lobed, creating an almost fern-like appearance—lush and green during the growing season, turning to hues of yellow or red before dropping in the fall. However, it is the thorns that truly set this plant apart. Unlike the straight, sharp spines of the regular Common Hawthorn, the 'Ferox' variant has elongated, almost medieval-looking thorns with multiple points that protrude from the branches, creating a formidable, spiky defense. This plant bears clusters of white flowers which bloom in late spring, filling the air with a light fragrance. The flowers are a stark contrast to the harshness of the thorns, providing a softer, more approachable aspect to the plant's demeanor. By late summer to autumn, these flowers give way to deep red berries known commonly as haws. These small fruits cluster along the branches, providing a food source for birds and other wildlife during the colder months. The combination of the deep green leaves, white flowers, and red berries make for a striking display that changes with the seasons, providing year-round interest in the garden.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Rosaceae
Synonyms
Armed Hawthorn, Ferox Hawthorn
Common names
Crataegus ferox, Mespilus ferox.
ToxicityTo humans
The plant in question, commonly known as Hawthorn, is generally not considered toxic to humans. Hawthorn berries, leaves, and flowers are often used in herbal remedies and are edible. However, if ingested in excessive quantities, they could potentially cause mild stomach upset. Despite this, Hawthorn is commonly used for its potential cardiovascular benefits, and there is no well-documented evidence of serious toxicity from consuming parts of this plant.
To pets
Hawthorn is not typically considered toxic to pets. As with humans, the berries, leaves, and flowers are the most commonly used parts of the plant and are not known to be harmful to animals when consumed in moderation. However, it is always wise to exercise caution and prevent pets from eating large amounts of plant material, as this could potentially cause gastrointestinal discomfort or an obstruction, though such an occurrence would be rare with Hawthorn.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
15 feet (4.5 meters)
Spread
20 feet (6 meters)
Plant type
Tree
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: Crataegus monogyna 'Ferox', commonly known as the Hawthorn, is cherished for its decorative value, with distinctive leaves and prominent thorns adding texture to gardens.
- Habitat Support: Hawthorns provide shelter and nesting sites for birds and small mammals within their dense, thorny branches.
- Seasonal Interest: Hawthorns offer year-round interest, with white flowers in spring, deep green foliage in summer, and red berries and colorful leaves in autumn.
- Wildlife Food Source: The red berries, or haws, are a valuable food source for birds and other wildlife, especially in winter when food is scarce.
- Durability: Hawthorns are tough and resilient, capable of withstanding harsh conditions, including poor soils, drought, and air pollution.
- Boundary Definition: With their dense and thorny growth, they make effective living fences or hedges, providing security and privacy.
- Cultural Significance: Hawthorns have deep historical and cultural associations, often featuring in myths and traditions, and are sometimes planted for their symbolic value.
- Biodiversity Enhancement: Hawthorns can increase local biodiversity, attracting a variety of insects, which in turn support a broader ecosystem.
Medical Properties- Cardiovascular support: Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna 'Ferox') berries, leaves, and flowers are traditionally used to support cardiovascular health.
- Antioxidant effects: The plant contains antioxidants which are thought to be beneficial in protecting against cell damage.
- Anti-inflammatory properties: Hawthorn may have anti-inflammatory effects that could be beneficial in reducing inflammation in the body.
- Improvement of circulatory disorders: Hawthorn is believed to improve blood flow and circulation.
- Mild sedative: It may have a mild sedative effect and be used to help with anxiety and insomnia.
- Digestive health: Hawthorn berries may aid in digestion and relieve stomach pain.
- Hypotensive potential: Some use hawthorn for its potential to naturally lower blood pressure.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Security Barrier: The dense, thorny branches of the hawthorn can be used to create a natural security hedge, deterring trespassers and unwanted animals.
- Woodworking: The wood of the hawthorn is hard and dense, making it useful for crafting tool handles, walking sticks, and carved objects.
- Fishing Rods: Traditionally, hawthorn wood has been used to make strong and flexible fishing rods.
- Environmental Art: The striking appearance of the hawthorn with its thorns can be utilized by environmental artists in their natural sculptures.
- Photography Subject: The unique form and flowers of the hawthorn make it an interesting subject for nature photographers.
- Dye Production: The berries of the hawthorn can be used to produce natural dyes for textiles in shades of pink, red, or brown.
- Traditional Ceremonies: In some cultures, hawthorn branches are used in wedding ceremonies as a symbol of hope and prosperity.
- Tannin Source: The bark and berries contain tannins, which can be used in the leather-tanning process.
- Ink Production: The hawthorn berries can be boiled down to make a natural ink for writing or drawing.
- Landscape Design: The hawthorn's striking shape and seasonal changes make it a valuable species for ornamental garden and landscape design.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Hawthorn is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Hawthorn is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Protection: Crataegus monogyna 'Ferox', commonly known as the Common Hawthorn, often symbolizes protection due to its thorny branches which were historically thought to ward off negative energies.
- Hope: The Hawthorn is associated with hope as it is one of the first trees to flower in spring, indicating the return of life and growth after the harsh winter months.
- Love and Marriage: This plant is sometimes connected to love and fertility, with its blossoms being incorporated into wedding decorations, especially in ancient European traditions.
- Cleansing and Purity: Since Hawthorn is also believed to have purifying qualities, it was used in the past to cleanse the air of contagion and to promote health and purity.
WaterThe common hawthorn should be watered deeply, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. This plant is relatively drought-tolerant once established and does not require excessive watering. During the growing season, water the hawthorn every 7 to 10 days, providing about 1 to 1.5 gallons per watering depending on the size of the plant and the weather conditions. In hot, dry periods, increase watering frequency to ensure the soil remains moist but not waterlogged. Reduce watering in the fall and winter when the plant is dormant.
LightCommon hawthorns thrive in full sun to partial shade. They should be planted in a location where they receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily, although they can tolerate some light afternoon shade. Avoid heavily shaded areas, as too little light can lead to poor flowering and fruiting.
TemperatureCommon hawthorns are hardy plants that can withstand a broad range of temperatures. They can survive winter lows down to around -20°F and are comfortable in the summer heat up to 100°F. The ideal temperature range for optimal growth is between 60°F and 80°F.
PruningPruning hawthorns is important to maintain their shape and remove any dead, diseased, or crossing branches. Prune in the late winter or early spring before new growth starts. It's usually sufficient to prune the common hawthorn once a year. Thinning out the center of the plant can improve air circulation and light penetration, which is beneficial for plant health.
CleaningAs needed
SoilHawthorn requires a well-draining soil mix with loamy or sandy composition and the pH level should be slightly acidic to neutral, ranging from 6.0 to 7.5 for optimal growth.
RepottingHawthorn trees don't often require repotting as they are generally planted outdoors; however, young trees can be repotted every 2-3 years to encourage growth.
Humidity & MistingHawthorns are hardy plants that are adaptable to a wide range of humidity levels and do not require specific humidity conditions to thrive.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Not ideal indoors, requires full sun, hardy, and outdoor conditions.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, well-drained soil; prune to shape.
Hardiness zone
4-7 USDA
Life cycleCommonly known as Armend Hawthorn, Crataegus monogyna 'Ferox' begins its life cycle with seed germination, which is highly variable and can take 1-2 years. Seedlings emerge and the plant enters a juvenile vegetative stage, developing a sturdy root system and foliage. It then grows into a mature shrub or small tree, with a flowering stage that includes the production of white blossoms in May, which are attractive to pollinators. Following pollination, the flowers develop into red berries, or haws, that mature in the autumn and provide food for wildlife. With the dropping of the fruit containing seeds, the life cycle can begin anew if seeds find suitable conditions for germination. The plant has a long lifespan and can continue its cycle for many years, often several decades, with some specimens living up to 400 years.
PropogationPropogation time
Late Winter to Early Spring
Propogation: Crataegus monogyna 'Ferox', commonly known as the Armed Hawthorn, is typically propagated by seed. To propagate from seed, collect haws (fruit) from the plant when they are fully ripe, which is usually in late autumn. Thoroughly clean the haws to extract the seeds and subject them to a cold stratification process, which simulates winter conditions. This is often done by mixing the seeds with moist sand or peat and storing them in a refrigerator at around 34 to 40 degrees Fahrenheit (1 to 4 degrees Celsius) for approximately three months. After cold stratification, sow the seeds in a well-draining soil mix, covering with a thin layer of soil, and keep them at a temperature of about 65 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit (18 to 21 degrees Celsius) until germination, which can take from a few weeks up to several months.
