Hawthorns are a large genus of small trees and shrubs from the rose family. Scientifically known as “Crataegus” the Cockspur Thorn is native to temperate regions of the northern-hemisphere.
Identifying species is never easy. Firstly, the leaves of the Cockspur are alternate in arrangement, meaning they are not divided into leaflets and they are deciduous meaning the leaves fall in autumn; secondly, the leaves of this tree are toothed with flowers and the fruits number around 10, usually clustering on the stems of the thorny twigs and spiny twigs twiglets.
Mostly growing 5-15 metres in height, this species can reach up to 20 metres and evidently this large bush has a great many branches. The thorns are sharp-tipped (about 1-3 cm long) and the bark of this tree is smooth with narrow ridges while the leaves grow spirally; they are conveniently arranged with serrate margins that are often irregular or slightly oval in their shape.
Bearing a small fruit – the haw – similar to a berry and known as a pome this fruit contains from 1 to 5 pyrenes that resemble the “stones” of plums. The fruit is a drupaceous fruit with a fleshy part surrounding the pip and when ripe they are almost pear shaped; bright red in colour, they can remain on their twigs (those that aren‘t eaten by the birds) throughout the winter.
Hawthorns provide food and shelter for many species of birds and mammals as well as the flowers being important for a great many nectar-feeding insects. Winter wildlife depend on the haws – particularly thrushes and waxwings – and these birds eat and disperse the seeds in their droppings. Foraging around on the tree branches for insects when looking for food, many of these species use the Cockspur Hawthorn to provide excellent protection at this time of the year!
Many species and hybrids of the Cockspur Hawthorn are used ornamentally, either as street trees or for hedge planting and furthermore, many have been selected for their pink or red blossom in flower shows across the UK, not to mention often being used for water conservation in the management of landscapes.
On Hampstead Heath during the spring and summer, there are many layered hedges of hawthorn, blackthorn and maple bursting into life, thus expecting the return of her summer migrants such as blackcap and whitethroat; oddly enough, the hawthorn leaves have often been nibbled by youngsters or added to their packed-lunch sandwiches because of the unique nutritional quality.
Documented in “Lark Rise to Candleford” the Cockspur Hawthorn definitely has a claim to fame and many of these leaves are even included in “wild food” salad recipes or even added to hot soup!
