CRATAEGUS MONOGYNA

COMMON HAWTHORN

Deciduous tree that grows up to five metres tall, with thorny branches and grey bark. Its white, fragrant flowers grow in clusters. It has deeply lobed leaves made up of three to seven lobes with a serrated edge. It bears red fruit around eight millimetres in diameter.

FUN FACT: Hawthorn herbal tea acts as a cardiac tonic by boosting blood circulation, regulating blood pressure and preventing arteriosclerosis. It also serves as a sedative and antispasmodic. Its flowers attract a wide range of insects, such as bees who use it to make honey.