Crataegus (Hawthorn) - Simpson's Nurseries Ltd

Hawthorn trees are a quintessential feature of the British landscape, celebrated for their hardiness, wildlife value, and seasonal beauty. In spring, they burst into life with clouds of creamy white or pale pink blossoms, often filling the air with a light, sweet scent. These flowers are followed by small red berries, or haws, which ripen in autumn and remain on the branches well into winter, providing an important food source for birds and small mammals. With their dense, thorny branches and finely textured leaves, Hawthorns offer year-round interest and serve as excellent hedgerow plants or stand-alone specimen trees

Beyond their visual appeal, Hawthorns play a vital ecological role. They offer nesting sites, pollen, and berries to a wide array of wildlife, making them a perfect choice for gardeners who want to attract birds, bees, and other beneficial species. Their tolerance of challenging conditions—poor soils, high winds, and urban pollution—adds to their reputation as one of the UK’s most reliable and resilient tree species.