Common Hawthorn

Name: Common Hawthorn

Scientific name: Crataegus monogyna

Category: Trees and bushes

Nature Stars: 30

What are nature stars?

About: The commonest hedgerow shrub. Thorny, with pinky-white flowers during May and masses of red fruits ('haws') during the winter.

How to identify: Told from the similar Midland Hawthorn by the more deeply lobed leaves and only having a single seed in each fruit.

Where: Widespread

Fantastic fact: Also known as May Thorn, May Blossom or Quick Thorn.

Photograph credit: Philip Precey