Hawthorn new spring leaves and flower buds

New leaves and flower buds from an old Common Hawthorn tree whose branches are covered in Lichens.

Crataegus monogyna, known as Common Hawthorn, is a species of hawthorn native to Europe, northwest Africa and western Asia. Other common names include may, mayblossom, maythorn, quickthorn, whitethorn, motherdie, and haw. This species is one of several that have been referred to as Crataegus oxyacantha, a name that has been rejected by the botanical community as too ambiguous.

The Common Hawthorn is a broadly spreading shrub or small tree 5–14 m tall, with a dense crown. The bark is dull brown with vertical orange cracks. The younger stems bear sharp thorns, 1 to 1.5 cm long. The leaves are 2–4 cm long, obovate and deeply lobed, sometimes almost to the midrib, with the lobes spreading at a wide angle. The upper surface is dark green above and paler underneath.

The hermaphrodite flowers are produced in late spring (May to early June in its native area) in corymbs of 5-25 together; each flower is about 1 cm diameter, and has five white petals, numerous red stamens, and a single style; they are moderately fragrant. They are pollinated by midges and later in the year bear numerous haws.

Common Hawthorn is extensively planted as a hedge plant, especially for agricultural use. Its spines and close branching habit render it effectively stock and human proof with some basic maintenance. The traditional practice of hedge laying is most commonly practiced with this species. It is a good fire wood which burns with a good heat and little smoke.

Description taken from Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Common_Hawthorn

• Biota
• Life
• Vitae
• Eukaryota
• Green
• Plantae
• Plants
• Magnoliophyta
• Flowering Plants
• Angiosperms
• Magnoliopsida
• Dicotyledons
• Spring
• Rosales
• Rosaceae
• Roses
• Crataegus
• Hawthorns
• Crataegus monogyna
• Common Hawthorn
• Lichens
• Flower buds
• Young leaves

• Adobe Camera RAW