Crataegus monogyna - Hawthorn seeds

Sowing hawthorn seeds allows you to propagate Crataegus monogyna, commonly known as Common Hawthorn or Maythorn. This deciduous bush or small tree, with its rounded crown, is valued for both its ornamental appeal and hardiness. Its white spring flowering brightens the landscape and attracts pollinators, while its red fruits, haws, delight birds in autumn. This resilient, native tree tolerates both cold and drought. Sow in autumn after cold stratification.

Native to Europe, Crataegus monogyna, also called Crataegus oxyacantha var. praecox, belongs to the Rosaceae family. It is also known by many common names: Single-seeded Hawthorn, Common Hawthorn, Maythorn, Whitethorn, Noble Thorn, Bird’s Pear, and Haw. In the countryside, Crataegus monogyna colonises woodland edges, open woods, and meadows. This tree can live for 500 years and reach up to 10 metres in height. In gardens, over a few years, Crataegus monogyna grows 4 to 7 metres tall and 6 to 8 metres wide. Its bark is initially grey, then turns dark brown and scaly, covering a trunk that often becomes knobbly over time. Its short, thorny, deep purple branches contribute to its role as a natural defence in hedgerows. Its toothed leaves, composed of 5 to 7 lobes, resemble miniature maple leaves. They measure 2 to 5 cm long, are ovate and bright light green with a whitish underside. The leaf veins are divergent.  In autumn, they turn golden yellow before falling. The flower corollas consist of 5 rounded petals and numerous stamens with light pink anthers that turn purple. The flowers measure 1 to 2 cm in diameter. In September-October, spherical, red, single-stoned fruits called "haws" appear, measuring 6 to 10 mm long.  

The highly adaptable Common Hawthorn thrives in sunny or partially shaded locations and tolerates chalky and poor soils well. Hardy down to -25°C, it requires little maintenance. In an informal or clipped hedge, it forms an impenetrable barrier, ideal for biodiversity and protecting small wildlife. In a garden, it pairs well with countryside bushes such as Blackthorn (Prunus spinosa), Hazel (Corylus avellana), or Dog Rose (Rosa canina). Also consider Dogwoods (Cornus sanguinea) or Field Maples (Acer campestre), which share its preference for well-drained soils.