Hands in the Dirt: Hawthorn

Photo and article by Donna Iverson
 
With the leaves off the trees, and fall flowers fading to brown, it’s the red berries on bushes and trees that catch my eye.  The bright red berries of the Hawthorn in particular. 
 
A member of the rose family like crab apples, the Hawthorn is a native heritage small tree or bush. Unfortunately, Hawthorn (Crataegus coccinia) has fallen from favor with gardeners and landscapers. But it has a lot to recommend it.
 
Partly it’s reputation has suffered because in the spring it produces a profusion of white flowers that are malodorous. In more common parlance, it stinks, said a neighbor gardener. And it’s two-inch thorns that cover many of its branches annoy many a homeowner. 
 
But it's the thorns that make it a great hedge plant. In fact, its alternate name is “haw” which translates as thorny hedge. Once planted by European nobility to keep the peasants out, it can now form a barrier to deter the white tail deer.
 
At the same time, Hawthorne provides sanctuary and food supply for birds and wildlife in the winter. The blackbird is especially fond of the dark red berries. Wildlife it supports include squirrels, rabbits, and raccoons.
 
Hawthorn will grow almost anywhere and is not particular about soil type. It can live for 400 years and grow to 30 feet in height. Several species are native to Michigan and can be found in the wild at the edge of forests, pastures, and old fields. In the fall, it’s alternate leaves turn a yellow burgundy.
 
Not only are the red berries edible to birds and wildlife, Hawthorn has been used medicinally to control high blood pressure and cholesterol. Herbalists use it to treat boils and skin sores as well as a mild sedative. In the kitchen, Hawthorn berries are used to make jam and jellies and it’s leaves are brewed into a herbal tea. 
 
In Celtic lore, the Hawthorn is known as the fairy tree and it is bad luck to cut one down as it is under their protection.

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