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HAWTHORN Crataegus monogyna |
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 TreesPropagationPlanting |
Crataegus
monogyna is a quick growing deciduous small tree or
shrub that can reach up to 18m in height if left uncut, but is usually kept trimmed to
make an impenetrable barrier. In the days before electric fencing thousands where planted
to mark boundaries and keep livestock in place, sadly modern farming practices are
responsible for them being ripped out. It grows well on chalky soils, in woodland
margins,open glades and hedgerows. It has dark olive green leaves 2-5cm in size,with deep
lobes that are toothed near the tips and grow on spiny branches. Clusters of white scented
flowers appear in May giving rise to it being known as Maythorn. These turn to egg shaped
berries ripening to scarlet in late September, it's fruits contains one seed unlike
midland hawthorn which has two seeds per fruit.
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Collect from trees as soon as fruit is ripe. Trees will produce
more fruit than regular cut hedges. Remove 
In pagan times to destroy a Hawthorn invited peril