(by Diane De Luca)

Hawthorns, as evidenced by its name, have thorny branches. The thorns are smaller branches, typically 1-3 inches, and tend to be sharp. There are many different varieties of hawthorns found around the world, with the Downy Hawthorn (Crataegus mollis) being native to the northeast. This small tree grows well in moist, fertile soil in full sun, but is adaptable to a range of conditions making it suitable for naturalized areas and gardens.

Profuse clusters of white flowers bloom from April to May. Hummingbirds, butterflies and native bees all gather nectars from the blooms. It is a larval host plant for the Gray Hairstreak and the Viceroy butterflies. Pollinated flowers will develop persistent red “berries” called haws. This fruit serves as a food source for many songbirds, wild turkey, and small mammals.

The Hawthorn is the center of many folkloric tales and legends where it is endowed with special or magical properties. For example, in Gaelic folklore, the hawthorn symbolized the entrance into the otherworld and was strongly connected with fairies. Other cultures note that the hawthorn thorns were used to slay vampires.