Crataegus monogyna

Hawthorn

Other names:
Introduced From: England/Europe
Family: Roseace (Rose Family), about 3100 species in 110 genera worldwide, 24 genera in Australia
Habitat: Roadsides and paddocks, often found cultivated in people's gardens, sometimes as hedges
Uses: Fruits are edible raw or cooked. Petals also edible.
Season:
References: Low (Weeds), Richardson and Shepherd

The name "haw" comes from the old English plant for hedge. It was introduced to Australia as a hedge plant. They have large, sharp thorns so be careful! Some people say that hawthorn stems were used to make the crown of thorns given to Jesus before his crucifixion. Unlike most of the edible weeds on this website, Hawthorn grows into a full sized tree, up to 10 metres tall.

The fruits are small, red, and usually a bit less than a centimetre across. They taste better cooked and made into jams, sauces, pickles, etc. They might be small but there will be a lot on the one tree. They are used in herbal medicne for heart-regulating effects.

Photo: Crataegus monogyna, Hawthorn. Wentworth Falls, NSW. High resolution (1200 x 1553)

Photo: Crataegus monogyna, Hawthorn. Wentworth Falls, NSW. High resolution (1200 x 1600)

Photo: Crataegus monogyna, Hawthorn. Wentworth Falls, NSW. High resolution (1384 x 962)

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hawthorn

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