Sceach Gheal
Latin name: Crataegus monogyna
The hawthorn is very common in Ireland.
You may know it by another name. It is also called whitethorn or mayflower. It is a deciduous shrub. It usually grows to about six metres high.
The hawthorn can easily survive cutting. It can start growing again even if cut right down to the ground.
Fruits of the Hawthorn
Carsten Krieger
Fruits of the Hawthorn
Carsten Krieger
Carsten Krieger
Fruits of the Hawthorn
Carsten Krieger
You will often see the hawthorn growing as hedgerows. It has tough, thorny branches. These grow quickly into a thick bush. This stops animals from straying out of fields.
The hawthorn and the blackthorn are very alike.
How can you tell the difference?
The stems of the hawthorn are a pale grey. They turn pink with age. The blackthorn's stems are a much darker colour.
Leaves grow on the hawthorn before the flowers. From April to June the white flowers grow.
They make the hawthorn a very pretty shrub. Each flower has five petals. Sometimes they have a light pink colour.
Have you ever walked past a hawthorn when its flowers are in full bloom?
Did you notice the unpleasant smell?!
Flies love this smell! They help the plant to spread its pollen. This is important for the flowers to make seeds.
Small bunches of red fruit grow in the autumn. These are called ‘haws’.
The fairy tree
Have you ever heard the hawthorn being called the fairy tree?
In Irish myth, it was thought to be a fairy tree. Farmers didn't plough near hawthorns. They were afraid of making the fairies angry.