18 F L E S H Y F R U I T S F L E S H Y F R U I T S 19 Hawthorn - Crataegus monogyna Midland Hawthorn - Crataegus laevigata

idland hawthorn is the he native hawthorn grows throughout Mrarer of the two native TBritain, except in the extreme north-west hawthorn species and the of Scotland. It tolerates most soils except peat one that is more likely to and is probably best known as a plant of grow into a small tree. It is hedgerows. found on heavy soils in shady The wood has been used for tool handles woodlands, or growing along road- and walking sticks and also produces excellent sides and in gardens, usually in the firewood and charcoal. The berries can be south east of Britain. Many ornamen- made into jellies, chutneys and wine. tal forms have been created, including The species has a high wildlife value, ‘Paul’s Scarlet’, which is frequently seen as its flowers provide nectar for spring insects in towns and cities. and its berries provide excellent food for small Medium tree (6:8:10) As with hawthorn, the wood has been mammals and birds, especially thrushes. Over used for tool handles and walking sticks, 209 invertebrate species have been recorded its fluted stems making it particularly use- living on this tree. ful for the latter. The berries can be made into jellies, chutneys and wine. Seed Guide: Collect the red berries, once they are ripe, from autumn onwards. Remove the The leaves have deeply divided The flowers provide nectar for spring lobes.The fleshy red berries (haws) insects, the berries excellent food for seeds from the flesh and wash them thorough- contain a single seed. ly. Soak the berries for a day or two, if the flesh small mammals and birds, especially is hard to remove. Stratify the seed, occasional- thrushes. ly for one but usually two winters. Select and sow germinating seeds each spring. Seed Guide: Collect the red berries, once they are ripe, Easily confused with: from autumn onwards. Field Maple, Midland Hawthorn. Remove the seeds from the flesh and wash them thorough- ly. Soak the berries for a day or two, if the flesh is hard to remove. Stratify the seed, occasionally for one, but usually two, winters. Select and sow germinating seeds each spring.

Leaves have shallower lobes Easily confused with: than hawthorn and the red Hawthorn, Field Maple. Usually seen as a shrub, but haws contain two seeds. can be a medium tree (5:8:10)

JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC Year 1 Collect Stratify Year 1 Collect Stratify Year 2 CHECK CHECK Year 2 CHECK CHECK Year 3 Sow Grow Plant Year 3 Sow Grow Plant Year 4 Year 4