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Hawthorn
Cratagus spp.
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Often a subject in English poetry, the Hawthorn tree is here described in the "Forest
Minstrel," by William Howitt:
"The beautiful Hawthorn, that has now put on
Its summer luxury of snowy wreaths,
Bending its branches in exuberant bloom,
While to the light enamour'd gale it breathes,
Rife as its loveliness, its rare perfume.
Glory of England's landscape! Favourite tree
Of bard or lover! It flings far and free
Its grateful incense."
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Leaves
Leaves are simple, alternate, and deciduous.
The leaves are small, with toothed or lobed margins. Petioles are short or long and may
have wings.
Flowers
The flowers are perfect, with showy white
petals, and are arranged in many-flowered clusters.
Fruit
Fruit is a small, scarlet, orange, or
rarely a blue pome, with 2-5 large, bony nutlets.
Trunk
The twigs are characterized by small
winter buds, with reddish, often fleshy bud scales. The twigs are profusely armed with
thorns, 1/2-6 inches in length.
Propagation
Hawthorn can be propagated by seeds or cuttings.
Landscape usage
Shade tree or field tree.
Interesting Facts
The Hawthron was formerly regarded as
the emblem of hope, and was carried by the ancient Greeks in their wedding processions,
and used to deck the altar of Hymen. However, current tradition among the French peasantry
that it utters groans and cries on Good Friday. In England, an old superstition
lingers that it is unlucky to uproot a Hawthorn tree, in belief that it is ill-omened to
bring boughs of it into the house.
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Hawthorn.
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Summary
Type: Tree or shrub
Salt Tolerant: High
Height: varies
Spread: varies
Growth Rate: Medium
Light: Full sun
Water: Low
Hardiness: High
Native: No
Wildlife: Yes
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For more detailed information on this
plant go to:
Volusia Extension |
