Summary
Crataegus laevigata, also known as the Midland hawthorn or smooth hawthorn, is a species of hawthorn that is native to Europe, western Asia, and North Africa. It is a deciduous shrub or small tree that can grow up to 20 feet tall. The tree is known for its white or pink flowers that appear in the spring, and its red berries that appear in the fall. The tree is commonly used as a ornamental plant and also has some medicinal properties. The leaves, flowers and fruits have been used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments such as heart disease, high blood pressure, and indigestion.
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The Midland Hawthorn, or Crataegus laevigata, is a small deciduous tree or large shrub that belongs to the rose family, Rosaceae. It is native to Europe, but has been widely introduced in North America, where it is commonly used as an ornamental plant due to its attractive foliage and abundant flowers.
Description and Characteristics
The Midland Hawthorn typically grows to a height of 15 to 25 feet, with a spread of 10 to 20 feet. It has a dense, rounded canopy with a short trunk and numerous branches that grow upright or slightly spreading. The leaves are shiny and dark green, with a glossy texture and toothed margins. In autumn, they turn yellow or reddish-brown before falling off.
The tree produces small, white or pink flowers in late spring or early summer. These are followed by red or dark-purple berries that ripen in the fall and persist through the winter, providing food for birds and small mammals. The bark is grayish-brown and smooth, but becomes rough and scaly as the tree ages.
Growing Conditions
The Midland Hawthorn is a hardy tree that can grow in a variety of soils, including clay, loam, and sand. It prefers a well-drained soil that is slightly acidic, but can tolerate alkaline soils as well. It is also tolerant of drought and air pollution, making it a popular choice for urban landscapes.
The tree is best planted in full sun to partial shade, and requires regular watering during the first few years of growth. Once established, it is relatively low-maintenance and does not require fertilization or pruning, except to remove dead or damaged branches.
Uses and Benefits
The Midland Hawthorn is primarily used as an ornamental tree, valued for its attractive foliage, colorful flowers, and showy fruit. It is often planted as a specimen tree, in small groups, or as a hedge or screen. The tree is also a valuable wildlife plant, providing food and shelter for birds and other wildlife.
In traditional medicine, the hawthorn has been used to treat a variety of ailments, including heart disease, high blood pressure, and anxiety. While scientific studies have not yet confirmed the effectiveness of hawthorn for these uses, it is considered safe for most people when used in moderation.
The Midland Hawthorn is a beautiful and versatile tree that offers many benefits to the landscape and wildlife. Whether planted in a backyard or a public park, it is sure to provide years of enjoyment and beauty.
More Information
The Midland Hawthorn is also known for its cultural significance in Europe, where it has been associated with folklore and superstition for centuries. In Celtic mythology, the tree was believed to be sacred and was often associated with the fairy realm. It was said that cutting down a hawthorn tree would anger the fairies and bring bad luck.
In Christian tradition, the hawthorn has been associated with the crown of thorns worn by Jesus Christ during his crucifixion. According to legend, the hawthorn tree was originally a straight, tall tree, but it became twisted and gnarled after being used to make the crown of thorns.
The Midland Hawthorn also has ecological benefits, as it provides a habitat for a variety of wildlife. Birds are attracted to the tree's berries, while insects are attracted to its flowers. The tree's dense foliage provides cover and nesting sites for birds, and its roots help to stabilize the soil and prevent erosion.
The Midland Hawthorn has been used for centuries in traditional medicine for its purported health benefits. Its berries, leaves, and flowers have been used to treat a variety of ailments, including heart disease, digestive problems, and anxiety.
Modern research has supported some of the traditional uses of hawthorn, particularly for heart health. Studies have shown that hawthorn can help to lower blood pressure, reduce cholesterol levels, and improve circulation. It is also believed to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which may help to protect against various diseases.
In addition to its health benefits, the Midland Hawthorn is also used in the production of alcoholic beverages. In some regions of Europe, the berries are used to make hawthorn liqueur, which is said to have a sweet and slightly bitter flavor. The tree's wood is also used for carving and turning, as it is hard and durable.
In terms of conservation, the Midland Hawthorn is not considered to be a threatened species, and it is widely cultivated in gardens and parks throughout its range. However, like many other native trees, it faces threats from habitat loss, disease, and climate change. Efforts to protect and conserve the Midland Hawthorn and other tree species are crucial for maintaining healthy and resilient ecosystems.
Facts about Midland Hawthorn
Facts about Midland Hawthorn (Crataegus laevigata):
- The Midland Hawthorn is a deciduous tree or large shrub that belongs to the rose family, Rosaceae.
- It is native to Europe but has been widely introduced in North America as an ornamental plant.
- The tree grows to a height of 15 to 25 feet, with a spread of 10 to 20 feet and has a dense, rounded canopy with a short trunk and numerous branches.
- The leaves are shiny and dark green, with toothed margins and turn yellow or reddish-brown in autumn before falling off.
- The tree produces small, white or pink flowers in late spring or early summer, followed by red or dark-purple berries that ripen in the fall and persist through the winter.
- The Midland Hawthorn is a hardy tree that can grow in a variety of soils, including clay, loam, and sand, and prefers a well-drained soil that is slightly acidic.
- It is tolerant of drought and air pollution and is often used in urban landscapes.
- The Midland Hawthorn is primarily used as an ornamental tree, providing attractive foliage, colorful flowers, and showy fruit.
- The tree has cultural significance in Europe and has been associated with folklore and superstition for centuries.
- The Midland Hawthorn has ecological benefits, providing a habitat for wildlife and helping to prevent soil erosion.
Summary:
The Midland Hawthorn, or Crataegus laevigata, is a small deciduous tree or large shrub that is native to Europe but widely cultivated in North America as an ornamental plant. It grows to a height of 15 to 25 feet, with a dense, rounded canopy, shiny dark green leaves, and small white or pink flowers that bloom in late spring or early summer, followed by red or dark-purple berries that ripen in the fall. The tree is hardy and can grow in a variety of soils, and is often used in urban landscapes due to its tolerance of drought and air pollution. The Midland Hawthorn is primarily used as an ornamental tree, providing attractive foliage, colorful flowers, and showy fruit, and also has cultural significance and ecological benefits.
Video
Midland Hawthorn filmed at Hic Bibi Local Nature Reserve in Coppull, Lancashire on the 19th May 2023.
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