Hawthorn
Common Name – Hawthorn
Irish Name – sceach gheal
Latin Name – crataegus monogyna larix
Quote
“Oh, my poor little hawthorns,” I was assuring them through my sobs,”
Hawthorn blossom emerges later than Blackthorn, often in late April or May. At this time of year, it is a good way to tell hawthorn and blackthorn apart. The leaves of hawthorn emerge before the flowers, whereas with blackthorn this order is
reversed.
Hawthorn grows best in full sun and average, well-drained soil. Choose a sunny spot to get the most out of the hawthorn’s showy blooms.
Hawthorn is used to help protect against heart disease and help control high blood pressure and high cholesterol.
In Celtic mythology it is one of the most sacred trees and symbolises love and protection. It is also known as the Fairy Tree, as fairies live under the Hawthorn as its guardians, and so was treated with great respect and care.