Acidic / Chalky / Alkaline / Clay / Heavy / Moist / Well Drained / Light / Sandy
The leaves, flowers, wood and fruit of hawthorn, Crataegus monogyna, are extremely attractive to wildlife, while its dense thorny habit makes it an excellent habitat for nesting or roosting birds.
What's more, its thorny stems make it an ideal boundary hedge that will help keep unwelcome visitors out of the garden. This deciduous tree bears fragrant white flowers in late spring, followed by glossy dark red fruit, known as haws. Trained as a hedge it will reach between 1.5 and 3m in height.
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Crataegus and wildlife
Crataegus is known for attracting bees, beneficial insects, birds, butterflies/moths and other pollinators. It is a caterpillar food plant, has nectar/pollen rich flowers, provides shelter and habitat, has seeds for birds and makes a good wildlife hedge.
