Hawthorn
Hawthorn is a native tree and one of the most common hedgrow shrubs and has thorny branches with thorns usually 1-3cm long. Its common name is derived from the Anglo-Saxon hagathorn which literally means ‘hedge thorn’. It can grow very quickly up to 5 metres tall in just 10 years. The species has a high wildlife value, as it provides excellent food for small animals and birds. It has red berries which are important for birds to feed on in winter. These fleshy berries are also known as ‘haws’ and contain a single seed. Over 209 insect species have been recorded living on this tree.The hawthorn always produces leaves before flowers.
Hawthorn wood is hard and has been used for small items such as walking sticks and tool handles and is a hot burning fuel.
In Celtic mythology, the hawthorn is the home of fairies. It was believed that if a twig of Hawthorn was tied together with red thread with twigs from an Oak and Ash, it would provide protection from fairies. One folk custom was to tie ribbons or rags onto Hawthorn trees at May Day as gifts to the fairies. The berries are also called Pixie Pears or Chucky cheese. In past times country people used to pick the young leaves and add it to their sandwiches calling them bread and cheese! Hawthorn grows very easily all over the UK.