Crataegus monogyna - Hawthorn

The Crataegus monogyna or Hawthorn is a tree with an upright and rounded, compact habit. The bark of the trunk of this tree is grey and then brown and scaly. The short stems are spiny and dark purple. Flowering takes place in May. It offers highly scented white flowers, gathered in 6 to 12 flowers in dense and flat corymbs. The corollas of the flowers consist of 5 rounded petals and numerous stamens with light pink anthers turning purple. The flowers measure from 10 to 20mm (0.8in) in diameter. In September-October, red fruits with a single stone called "haws" appear, measuring from 6 to 10mm (0.4in) long. They are spherical in shape. These berries are consumed by birds.

The foliage of the Hawthorn is alternately arranged and deciduous. It has simple leaves that are 2 to 5cm (2in) long, oval in shape, and composed of 5 to 7 lobes. The toothed leaves are bright green with a whitish underside. 

This is a tree that can live for 500 years and measure between 4 and 10m (13 and 32 ft) in height. Easy to grow, Crataegus monogyna adapts well to any well-drained soil, even limestone, in a sunny or semi-shaded location. Not demanding, it will be happy with a balanced pruning in February.

This very hardy tree is native to Europe. It can be found in deciduous or mixed forests, in open woods, or in open terrain (meadow). This ornamental plant is ideal for hedges.

It is a tree that was once associated with May 1st. It was used as a soothing agent to treat gout and pleurisy in the Middle Ages. Be careful though, as it can cause cardiovascular disorders. Its wood is used for heating, formerly for metal parts and in small carpentry.

The term monogyna comes from the Latin word "monogunus", which means "with a single style". This criterion distinguishes this variety from Crataegus laevigata, which has 2 or 3 styles (pistils) and therefore 2 or 3 stones in the fruit.