Hawthorn facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Hawthorns |
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| Fruit from four different types of hawthorn plants | |
Scientific classification  |
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| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Clade: | Rosids |
| Order: | Rosales |
| Family: | Rosaceae |
| Subfamily: | Amygdaloideae |
| Tribe: | Maleae |
| Subtribe: | Malinae |
| Genus: | Crataegus Tourn. ex L. |
| Type species | |
| Crataegus rhipidophylla Gand.
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Hawthorns are a group of plants that are usually small shrubs or trees. They belong to a large plant group called Crataegus. You can find hawthorns growing naturally in Europe, Asia, and North America.
The word "hawthorn" used to mean only the plants found in northern Europe. But now, it is used for all the different types of plants in the Crataegus group. There is also a similar plant group from Asia called Rhaphiolepis that is sometimes called hawthorn too.
Hawthorn plants are known for their small, berry-like fruit. These fruits are called haws.
Contents
All About Hawthorns
Hawthorns are part of the Rosaceae family. This is the same plant family that includes roses, apples, and cherries! There are many different kinds, or species, of hawthorns.
What Do Hawthorns Look Like?
Hawthorn plants can grow to be about 5 to 15 meters tall. They often have strong, thorny branches. These thorns help protect the plant from animals.
Their leaves are usually small and have jagged edges. In spring, hawthorns produce many small, white or pink flowers. These flowers often grow in clusters.
Hawthorn Fruit: Haws
After the flowers bloom, small fruits called haws grow. Haws look a bit like tiny apples. They are usually red, orange, or black when they are ripe.
Haws are an important food source for many wild animals. Birds and small mammals love to eat them. People can also eat some types of haws. They are sometimes used to make jams, jellies, or even wine.
Where Do Hawthorns Grow?
Hawthorns are very tough plants. They can grow in many different places. You can find them in forests, along riverbanks, and in open fields. They are common in many parts of the world.
Because they are so hardy, hawthorns are often planted as hedges. Their thorny branches make a great natural fence. They can help keep animals in or out of an area.
Hawthorns and Wildlife
Hawthorn plants are very important for wildlife. Their flowers provide nectar for bees and other insects. This helps the insects get food and also helps the hawthorn plants make seeds.
The haws provide food for birds and animals, especially in the fall and winter. The dense, thorny branches also offer safe places for birds to build their nests. This makes hawthorn trees a busy home for many creatures.
