Hawthorn

The hawthorn is a large group of small tree or shrub species native to the Northern Hemisphere in North America, Europe, and Asia. The hawthorn species range in height from 15-50'. The leaves are highly variable, but generally 2 to 4 inches long, toothed and lobed, though they may be unlobed as well. The hawthorn has clusters of 5-petaled white blooms in the Spring that are followed by clusters of small red or orange fruit in the Fall. The stout 1" long (or more!) spines that are along the twigs and branches give this tree its name. Hawthorn is one of the trinity of "fairy trees" of Europe - Oak, Ash, and Thorn. The hawthorn's Fall colors range from yellow to scarlet. In the winter, the hawthorn can be quite recognizable for its thorns and berries very visible in the winter.