Blooming Hedges

The hawthorn blossom this year has been superb. Also called the whitethorn or quickthorn, is one of our most beautiful, enchanted and sacred native trees. It can be known as the May tree because it usually flowers in May. As well as being a spectacular feature of our countryside, the spring flowers and autumn fruits of the hawthorn are also important for wildlife.

Blackthorn and hawthorn blossom can look similar. The blackthorn flowers first, much earlier in the year when the days are quite cold, and its blossom appears on branches before the leaves. The hawthorn always flowers after the leaves appear. The hawthorn flowers are usually white, often with pink tinges. These provide an important source of nectar for many species of insect including butterflies, moths and bees. In the autumn the berries or haws are loved by birds such as the blackbird, fieldfare and song thrush. Many hedges are cut too often, reducing their potential use for wildlife and their landscape value. The hawthorn will flower and fruit freely if it is left untrimmed, or is only trimmed every 2-3 years.

There are lots of myths and folklore surrounding the hawthorn. The saying ‘Ne’er cast a clout till May is out’ is believed to refer to the hawthorn blossom and not to the month of May. The advice being not to remove the winter clothes until the May tree blossom has appeared. Folklore also suggests that it is a tree of misfortune. Single trees left to grow in a field, sometimes referred to as ‘Fairy thorns’, are found scattered throughout the province often close to an archaeological site. It is thought that bad luck will follow anyone who cuts down a Fairy thorn.

Whatever you make of the hawthorn, be sure to treat it with respect. Hedgerows and hawthorns should last for hundreds of years if properly looked after. Over-trimming will limit their life and reduce their value for wildlife and the landscape.