Hawthorns provide food and shelter for many species of birds and mammals, and the flowers are important for many nectar-feeding insects and the larvae of a large number of butterfly species

The red fruit, sometimes known as a "haw or "Hawberries", is berry-like, but structurally a "pome"(apple). Haws are important for wildlife in winter, particularly thrushes and waxwings; these birds eat the haws and disperse the seeds in their droppings.

The one drawback to planting a hawthorn is the long thorns the branches, especially if pets or small children are present in the household. They thorny nature however makes them extremely effective as a hedge to keep out nosy neighbours.

Hawthorns flourish in well drained sandy loam and do very poorly in heavy clay soils or low areas of the yard where water accumulates in the spring or after a heavy rainfall.

The hawthorns require annual pruning to keep them vibrant from year to year.

Fascinating Foliage Facts: