Overview
Crataegus monogyna is a bushy, spreading branched trees in the genus Crataegus, part of the Rosaceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 4-8 metres tall and 4-8 metres wide, reaching full size in around 10-20 years. Crataegus monogyna grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. It is attractive to pollinators. Suggested uses include coastal, cottage and informal garden, wildflower meadow and wildlife gardens. It is native to Europe N Africa SW Asia.
About
Crataegus monogyna is a bushy deciduous tree that typically reaches heights of around 10 meters. It features thorny branches and glossy, deeply lobed green foliage that turns a golden hue in autumn. In late spring, clusters of fragrant, creamy-white flowers appear, each adorned with pink anthers. These are succeeded by abundant dark red berries in the fall, which are suitable for crafting jellies or brewing herbal tea.
About the genus
Crataegus comprises deciduous trees and shrubs characterized by spiny branches and leaves that may be lobed or serrated. These plants produce clusters of creamy-white blossoms, which give way to red or black fruits. Certain species display notable color changes in autumn.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Crataegus
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
- Aspect
- North-facing, East-facing, South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Crataegus monogyna size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Trees
- Habit
- Bushy, Spreading branched
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 4-8 metres
- Spread
- 4-8 metres
- Time to full height
- 10-20 years
- Suggested uses
- Coastal, Cottage and informal garden, Wildflower meadow, Wildlife gardens
- Native to
- Europe N Africa SW Asia
- Fragrance
- Flower
- Toxicity
- Seeds contain toxins so these should be removed if you are considering eating the fruit, usually grown as an ornamental shrub Pets: Fruit are ornamental - not to be eaten - see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants for further information and useful contact numbers
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Crataegus monogyna
- Cultivation
- Grow in any (not waterlogged) soil in full sun or part shade. Useful specimen trees for town, coastal or exposed gardens. Used extensively for wildlife hedging. See hawthorn cultivation for further advice
- Pruning
- Pruning group 1; or trim hedges after flowering or in autumn
- Propagation
- Propagate by seed, or grafting in winter
- Pest resistance
- May be susceptible to caterpillars, aphids and gall mites
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to fireblight, honey fungus, crown gall, silver leaf, powdery mildews and leaf spots
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Crataegus monogyna?
Grow in any (not waterlogged) soil in full sun or part shade. Useful specimen trees for town, coastal or exposed gardens. Used extensively for wildlife hedging. See hawthorn cultivation for further advice.
Where is the best place to plant Crataegus monogyna?
Crataegus monogyna prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Crataegus monogyna need?
Crataegus monogyna is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained to well-drained.
How do I prune Crataegus monogyna?
Pruning group 1; or trim hedges after flowering or in autumn.
How big does Crataegus monogyna grow?
Crataegus monogyna reaches a height of 4-8 metres and a spread of 4-8 metres. It takes around 10-20 years to reach full size.
Is Crataegus monogyna hardy in the UK?
Crataegus monogyna has a UK hardiness rating of H7.
How do I propagate Crataegus monogyna?
Propagate by seed, or grafting in winter.
Is Crataegus monogyna good for pollinators?
Yes — Crataegus monogyna attracts and supports pollinators such as bees and other beneficial insects.
Is Crataegus monogyna toxic?
Seeds contain toxins so these should be removed if you are considering eating the fruit, usually grown as an ornamental shrub Pets: Fruit are ornamental - not to be eaten - see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants for further information and useful contact numbers.