Crataegus monogyna: The hawthorn - a native all-rounder for your garden
Crataegus monogyna, also known as the single-stemmed hawthorn, is an impressive and versatile plant that is native to Europe, North Africa and West Asia. As a robust plant that is often found in hedges and forest edges, the hawthorn enjoys growing popularity in naturalised gardens. Its dense branches and attractive flowers and fruit make it an ideal ornamental shrub for numerous garden styles.
Appearance and growth behaviour
The hawthorn is a deciduous shrub or small tree that grows to a height of up to 3 metres. With its dense branching, it not only provides shelter and food for birds and insects, but is also very popular as a hedge plant. The small, deeply lobed leaves turn bright yellow in autumn, while the hawthorn is covered with numerous white flowers in spring from May to June. These flowers are not only a visual highlight, but also a valuable source of food for bees and other insects.
Useful fruits and medicinal properties
In autumn, the flowers develop into bright red fruits, known as rowan berries. These small fruits are rich in vitamin C and are readily eaten by birds. The fruits are also useful for humans, although they are rather bitter in flavour. They can be processed into jams or syrups. Crataegus monogyna has also been valued in naturopathy for centuries. The plant's heart-strengthening effect in particular is well documented. Hawthorn extracts are often used to support heart function and improve blood circulation.
Easy to care for and versatile
Invasive hawthorn is extremely easy to care for and adaptable. It thrives in full sun as well as in partial shade or shadow and tolerates drought just as well as nutrient-poor soils. It is also frost-hardy and wind-resistant, making it an ideal choice for difficult locations. The hawthorn can be kept in shape by regular pruning, making it suitable for both formal hedges and wild, romantic cottage gardens.
Planting partners and ecological importance
Crataegus monogyna is not only an aesthetic asset, but also an ecological powerhouse. In near-natural gardens, it is often combined with other native shrubs such as hazelnut (Corylus avellana) or privet (Ligustrum vulgare). Together with hawthorn, these shrubs provide valuable habitats for wildlife and help to promote biodiversity. Flowering perennials such as cranesbill can also be planted alongside the hawthorn to enhance the natural appearance.
Crataegus monogyna is an enrichment for any garden that values ecological balance and natural design. With its many positive properties - from its medicinal properties to its benefits for wild animals and its versatility - hawthorn is a true all-rounder plant.
