Crataegus monogyna HAWTHORN (10 seeds)

Hawthorn, also known as Quickthorn, Whitethorn, or May-tree, is a small shrub with a bushy habit that stands 2 to 4 meters tall. It is a hardy perennial often found growing alongside comfrey. It belongs to the Rosaceae family and is native to Europe.

Its deciduous leaves are thick, lobed, and serrated, arranged alternately along the branches. In spring and summer, the leaves are a vibrant green, sometimes turning darker in autumn before falling.

The lightly scented flowers are white or occasionally pale pink. They are grouped in inflorescences called cymes and bloom in the spring, typically during the month of May. Each flower measures approximately 1 to 2 cm in diameter and has five petals.

Fruits of this small shrub are berries often called haws. They are red, sometimes turning blackish, and measure about 1 to 2 cm in diameter. They have smooth skin and usually contain one or two small seeds.

Hawthorn seeds from Crataegus monogyna species are brown, very round, and measure an average of 1/2 centimeter in diameter.

- Uses:

A Remarkable Ornamental Shrub

The Hawthorn is a major hedgerow species, particularly appreciated for its fragrant spring flowers and its foliage that changes throughout the seasons.
This bushy silhouette blends elegantly into landscaped designs, bringing a natural structure and a rustic charm to outdoor spaces.

A Dense Structure for Defensive Hedges

Thanks to its branched twigs and sharp thorns, this native shrub is an ideal choice for creating privacy hedges and protective fences.
In addition to securing plots, this dense plant network offers an exceptional nesting refuge for garden birds.

Autumn Berries for Culinary Creation

At the end of the warm season, the plant produces small edible red berries with a subtle and slightly sweet taste.
Harvested at full maturity, these wild fruits are wonderfully suited for making artisanal jellies, traditional jams, or original desserts.

- Germination and Sowing Seeds:

• The best period to sow Whitethorn begins in February.
• Stratify the seeds outdoors during the winter or artificially by leaving them in the refrigerator for 3 months before cultivation to break dormancy.
• Prepare a tray of seed-starting compost and place the seeds on top.
• Cover them with 5 millimeters of substrate.
• Water the culture gently with a sprayer.
• Place the tray in a warm, humid greenhouse at a temperature between 20 and 25°C.
• Germination will begin 3 to 4 weeks after sowing.

- Substrate / Soil Type:

This shrub prefers well-drained soil, ranging from slightly acidic to neutral. It adapts easily to all soil types, including clay, sand, or limestone. Fertile soil rich in humus promotes better development, although the plant is very tolerant.

- Light / Exposure:

Crataegus monogyna enjoys full sun or light shade. It flowers best when it receives sufficient light.

- Temperatures / Hardiness:

This shrub grows very well in temperatures ranging from 15 to 25°C. It is extremely hardy and withstands extreme cold, resisting temperatures down to -20°C or even lower. Its USDA hardiness zone is 7b.

- Irrigation / Watering:

Once well-established, it is drought-tolerant. It is recommended to water moderately during the first few weeks after planting. During dry spells, occasional watering may be necessary.

- Reproduction / Multiplication:

This variety can be propagated in two ways: either by seed or by stem cuttings. For cuttings, take semi-hardwood stems 10-15 cm long. Place them in a mix of potting soil and sand or a light substrate. Keep the mixture moist and place the cuttings in a bright spot away from direct sunlight.

- Diseases / Pests:

Rust, which appears as orange spots on the leaves, and canker, which causes lesions on the branches, are the two main diseases that can affect this small tree. Insect attacks, such as aphids, can also impact the shrub's health.

This article was written by Julien on 07/09/2026.