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Hawthorn

Trachysmia inopiana Hawthorn

The Hawthorn is a lovely tree with beautiful flowers in spring. It has sharp thorns that protect it from animals.

Habitat: Woodlands and hedgerows

Appearance

The Hawthorn is a small, thorny tree, often with gnarled branches. It displays clusters of white or pale pink flowers in spring, followed by bright red, berry-like fruits (haws) in autumn. Its distinctive lobed leaves are a vibrant green.

KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsida

Hawthorn

Interesting facts

Ancient cultures used Hawthorn parts to make medicines for a strong, healthy heart!

Hawthorn can regrow from its base, making it a super tough survivor!

Hawthorn hedges were planted to mark farm boundaries for hundreds of years!

Old legends say Hawthorn trees are enchanted and shelter magical fairies!

Special abilities

Hawthorn has sharp, woody thorns that protect its branches and leaves from hungry browsers, helping it defend itself.

Hawthorn produces abundant red berries that attract birds, which then spread its seeds far and wide, aiding reproduction.

Hawthorn releases a strong, sweet scent from its flowers to attract insects like bees and flies, ensuring successful pollination.

Measurements & details

Height: 2-12 m
Canopy Spread: 2-8 m
Is Edible: Yes
Trunk Diameter: 15-50 cm
Lifespan: 50-200 years
Fruit Type: Pome
Growth Rate: Medium
Leaf Type: Deciduous

Ecological connections

eats

Blackbird

Turdus merula

Feeds on sweet hawthorn berries in autumn and winter.

pollinates

Buff-tailed Bumblebee

Bombus terrestris

Visits hawthorn flowers, collecting nectar and spreading pollen.

eats

Lackey Moth

Malacosoma neustria

Caterpillars feed on hawthorn leaves, sometimes in large groups.

shelters

Dunnock

Prunella modularis

Nests within dense hawthorn hedges, protected by thorns.

Traits

Deciduous

Discover the magic of plants that shed all their leaves during a particular season, often putting on a spectacular show of fall colors first. They get ready for a fresh start!

Spring Blooming

Celebrate the arrival of warmer weather with these cheerful plants that burst into beautiful flowers as spring awakens the world.

Fragrant Flower

Discover flowers that release delightful scents into the air, enchanting our senses and attracting helpful insects. Take a moment to enjoy their sweet perfume!

Fruit Bearing

These amazing plants develop fruits, which often contain seeds and are sometimes delicious treats for us or wildlife. They're nature's way of spreading new life!

Medicinal

Discover special plants that people have used for centuries to help them feel better or stay healthy, often found in nature's own medicine cabinet.

Thorny Stem

Discover plants with strong stems protected by sharp thorns, perfect for staying safe in the wild.

Forest

These lush habitats are filled with countless trees, offering homes to a huge variety of plants and animals! Immerse yourself in the green canopy.

Longevous

Marvel at organisms that have an incredible capacity to live for a very, very long time, sometimes spanning centuries or even millennia. They are the elders of the natural world!