Plant
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Size
2–10 m tallFrom a dense shrub to a small tree
Lifespan
400+ years
Rarity
Common
M vs F
N/A — flowers are hermaphrodite
Habitat
Hedgerows, woodland edges, scrubland, chalk downland — the backbone of the British hedgerow
Best time
May (blossom); October (berries called haws)
Conservation
UK: Green
LC
💡 Did you know?
A single hawthorn bush can support over 300 insect species — making it one of the most wildlife-rich trees in Britain
The ancient May Day tradition is tied to hawthorn blossom, but climate change has pushed peak flowering 2–3 weeks earlier than a century ago
Often confused with
Blackthorn (flowers before leaves appear
blue-black sloe berries)
Midland Hawthorn (two styles in flower
more shade tolerant)
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