Can you grow hawthorn in the UK?
Common hawthorn, Crataegus monogyna, is a British native plant that makes a medium-sized hedge up to 3m (10ft) in height. However, it can easily be kept at a lower height of between 1. Hawthorns are low-maintenance trees, needing little care and attention once established. They may need watering during prolonged dry periods in summer – particularly in the first few years to ensure they establish well. Feed with a general granular plant food in spring.Where to plant hawthorn. Hawthorn is a hardy plant and will grow on a range of soils, in full sun or part-shade. They are very tough, tolerating exposed positions and wet soils. Ground that is frequently waterlogged should be avoided though, as these conditions are likely to rot the roots.Whilst hawthorn trees aren’t necessarily dangerous to houses, their roots can be considered invasive as they can grow up to 11 metres – as can cherry tree and rowan tree roots, and plane tree and beech tree roots can grow up to 15 metres!No, hawthorn plants are not toxic to dogs and are considered safe with very low risk of side effects when given in appropriate amounts. However, it’s important to consult with a health professional immediately if your dog is on medication or has existing health conditions before adding hawthorn to their diet.
How do you identify a hawthorn tree in the UK?
Look out for: the deeply lobed leaves, spiny twigs and haws (berries). Identified in winter by: the spines which emerge from the same point as the buds; distinguishing them from blackthorn (Prunus spinosa) which has buds on the spines in winter . Winter buds: small reddish buds, often at the base of thorns, but rarely on the thorns. Leaves: simple, 3-5 deep lobes (at least half way to the midrib), toothed near leaf tip, pink petiole.
How quickly does hawthorn grow in the UK?
A thorny shrub with pink-white blossom in spring and ruby-red berries in summer. Produces white-pink blossom in May that becomes ruby-red berries, called haws, in summer. Mature height: 10m. Growth rate: 40-60cm per year. The flowers themselves will often be seen to erupt around this month, giving hawthorn its other common names: ‘May Thorn’, ‘May Tree’ and ‘May Blossom’.Harry Gordon in The Hard Way offered the explanation that the Hawthorn bush was also known as the May bush or May tree, and both its flowers and the plant itself were referred to, first in England and later in Australia, as ‘Mayblooms’.In May, common hawthorn erupts with masses of creamy-white blossom, colouring our hedgerows. During the autumn and winter, red fruits known as ‘haws’ appear.
Why do hawthorn trees smell?
It’s a sickly sweet aroma that some love and some hate, and we now know that it’s caused by the release of a chemical called trimethylamine. This is one of the first chemicals produced by a decomposing corpse, so it’s not surprising that people have long associated hawthorn with death. Some hawthorn flowers are known to have an unpleasant odor, described by some as smelling like urine, rotting fish, or cat urine. This is due to the presence of a chemical called triethylamine, which is also produced during the decomposition of flesh.
What is the myth about the hawthorn tree?
In Ireland most of the isolated trees, or ‘lone bushes’, in the landscape and said to be inhabited by faeries, were hawthorn trees. Such trees could not be cut damaged in any way without incurring the often fatal wrath of their supernatural guardians. In Irish folklore, having a Hawthorn tree on your land is seen as good luck. The Fairy trees: Fairies are said to be found where Hawthorn, Oak and Ash trees grow together. It has been said to be unlucky to cut down the tree, in particular if it is a lone tree.
Are hawthorn tree thorns poisonous?
Hawthorne thorns are not poisonous. Rose thorns have a natural self-defense mechanism. They have a little bit of poison, so if you prick your finger it will stay sore for a few days.That a simple brief nick from a bramble or rose can cause sepsis. That if dirt from the thorn gets into your blood stream, infection can spread frighteningly fast.
Who should not eat hawthorn berries?
Side effects, toxicity, and interactions But it’s a powerful herb. It can cause sedation and very low blood pressure at high doses. For this reason, you should only take hawthorn under the care of a doctor. Children and women who are pregnant or breastfeeding shouldn’t use hawthorn. Rich in amino acids, minerals, pectin, vitamin C, chlorogenic acid, epicatechol, and choline, hawthorn has a high therapeutic and health value. Many studies have shown that hawthorn has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, anti-cardiovascular disease, and digestive enhancing properties.If you have a heart condition, don’t use hawthorn without talking to your healthcare provider. Surgery: Hawthorn might slow blood clotting and increase the risk of bleeding during and after surgery. Stop using hawthorn at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.Hawthorn is found in multiple commercial forms, the recommended daily dose ranging widely from 120 to as high as 1800 mg of extract daily. Hawthorn is generally well tolerated without adverse events; minor side effects may include diarrhea, abdominal discomfort and nausea.Children and women who are pregnant or breastfeeding shouldn’t use hawthorn. Note that hawthorn won’t stop an angina attack. You shouldn’t take hawthorn with other heart medicines. These include digitalis.