Explore Crataegus monogyna (Common Hawthorn) – its characteristics, habitat, cultivation, propagation, and functional uses and benefits.
Crataegus monogyna | Botanical Characteristics
Common Names: Common Hawthorn, Single-seeded Hawthorn, Maythorn, Quickthorn
Family: Rosaceae
Appearance: A dense, spiny shrub or small tree with deeply lobed, dark green leaves, white or pinkish hermaphroditic flowers in spring, followed by red berries (haws) in autumn.
Type: Perennial
Evergreen / Deciduous: Deciduous
Layer: Shrub / Low Tree
Root System: Deep and wide-spreading root system
Height: 4–10 meters
Width: 4–8 meters
Lifespan: Can live over 100 years
Growth Rate: Moderate to fast
Fertility: Self-fertile
Flowers: Hermaphroditic
Pollinator: Attracts bees, hoverflies, and other insects
Toxicity: The seeds contain amygdalin and should not be consumed in large quantities
Crataegus monogyna | Habitat and Cultivation
Range
Native Range: Europe, North Africa, and Western Asia
Companionship: Commonly grows with hedgerow plants like blackthorn, elder, dog rose, and hazel
Invasive Range: Naturalized in parts of North America, New Zealand, and Australia
USDA Hardiness Zone: 4–9
Minimum Chill Hours Required: Approximately 300–500 hours
Resistance/Tolerance
Poor Soil: High tolerance
Drought: Moderate tolerance
Shade: Moderate tolerance
Flood: Low tolerance
Wind: High tolerance
Maritime: Moderate tolerance
Air Pollution: High tolerance
Fire: Moderate tolerance
Thriving Conditions
Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
Soil Moisture: Prefers moist but well-drained soils
Soil Type: Thrives in loamy, clay, or chalky soils
Soil pH: Tolerates acidic to alkaline soils (5.5–8.0)
Propagation
Seeds: Propagated from seeds that require cold stratification
Cuttings: Can also be propagated by hardwood cuttings
Crataegus monogyna | Functional Uses and Benefits
Edible: Berries (haws) are edible and used in jellies, jams, and wines
Medicinal: Traditionally used to support cardiovascular health
Cosmetics: Not commonly used in cosmetics
Animal Feed: Berries are an important food source for birds
Fiber: Not used for fiber production
Timber: Wood is dense and hard, used for small tools and crafts
Firewood: Excellent firewood due to its dense wood
Wind Break: Commonly used as a windbreak in hedgerows
Fence: Frequently planted as a living fence due to its thorny branches
Cover Crop: Not used as a cover crop
Mulch: Not typically used as mulch
Nitrogen Fixer: No
Dynamic Accumulator: No significant data available
Pollinator Attractor: Highly attractive to bees and other insects
Pest Repellent: Not noted as a pest repellent
Wildlife Supporter: Provides food and shelter for birds, insects, and small mammals
Sign up for our newsletter or connect with us on social media to stay up-to-date with our latest posts and permaculture inspiration.
Explore our inspiring series and posts:
Love the post? Share it with your circle, inspire your people: