Overview
Crataegus monogyna is common hawthorn (May tree), a deciduous tree growing 15-25 feet (4.5-7.5 m) tall and 15-20 feet (4.5-6 m) wide. Dense white fragrant flowers 0.4 inch (10 mm) in flat-topped corymbs 2-3 inches (5-7 cm) in May — the fragrance contains trimethylamine, perceived as musky or unpleasant by some. Glossy mid-green deeply 3-7 lobed leaves 0.75-2 inches (2-5 cm). Dark red haws 0.3-0.5 inch (8-13 mm) containing one seed ripen in September and persist into winter. Thorns 0.5-1 inch (1.3-2.5 cm). In Rosaceae. Native to Europe, western Asia, North Africa. The traditional hedgerow plant of the British Isles. Classified as invasive in the Pacific Northwest of North America — self-sows into natural areas from bird-dispersed haws. This invasive status is the primary limitation in western North America. Fire blight (Erwinia amylovora) causes branch dieback. Highly adaptable to soil types including alkaline chalk and heavy clay. Tolerates exposed windy sites, coastal conditions, and air pollution. Haws are edible (used in jellies). Deer-resistant (thorny). Drought-tolerant. Non-toxic. Zones 4-8. Full sun to partial shade. Growth rate is moderate.
Native Range
Native to Europe, western Asia, and North Africa. Found in hedgerows, woodland margins, and scrubland. Naturalized and classified as invasive in the Pacific Northwest of North America.Suggested Uses
Grown as a hedgerow plant (thorny impenetrable barrier), specimen tree, and in wildlife gardens spaced 15-20 feet (4.5-6 m) or 12-18 inches (30-45 cm) apart for hedges. Edible haws. Dense thorny hedge. Invasive in Pacific Northwest. Deer-resistant. Non-toxic. Zones 4-8.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height15' - 25'
Width/Spread15' - 20'
Reaches mature size in approximately 10 years
Bloom Information
Late spring (May). White single flowers 0.4 inch (10 mm) in dense flat-topped corymbs 2-3 inches (5-7 cm). Moderately fragrant (musky). 3 weeks of bloom. Bee- and butterfly-pollinated. Dark red haws ripen September.Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
White, single, 0.4 inch (10 mm), in dense flat-topped corymbs 2-3 inches (5-7 cm) across; fragrant — the scent is described as musky or fishy by some (contains trimethylamine)Foliage Description
Glossy mid-green, deeply 3-7 lobed, 0.75-2 inches (2-5 cm) wide; turns yellow in fall — fall color is often unremarkableGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 3-8 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Full sun to partial shade (3-8 hours). Any well-drained soil pH 6.0-8.0 — tolerates chalk, heavy clay, rocky, and poor soil. Tolerates wind, coastal exposure, and air pollution. Drought-tolerant once established. Fire blight — remove affected branches. Classified as invasive in the Pacific Northwest — check local regulations. Thorns. Deer-resistant. Non-toxic. Zones 4-8.Pruning
Prune hedges in summer (July-August) after flowering. Structural pruning in late winter (February-March). Tolerates hard shearing for formal hedges — the dense thorny growth makes an impenetrable barrier. Remove fire blight-affected branches 12 inches (30 cm) below infection. Thorns — wear heavy gloves.Pruning Schedule
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summerearly spring