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Position

Sun exposure:
Dappled shade, full sun
Aspect:
South facing, west facing
Position in border:
Back, middle

Soil

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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Plant calendar

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Plantyesyesyes
Flowersyesyes
Fruitsyesyesyes
Harvestyesyesyes

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.

Is known to attract Bees
Bees
Is known to attract Beneficial insects
Beneficial insects
Is known to attract Birds
Birds
Is known to attract Butterflies/​Moths
Butterflies/​Moths
Is known to attract Other pollinators
Other pollinators

Is Crataegus poisonous?

Crataegus has no toxic effects reported.

No reported toxicity to:
Is not known to attract Birds
Birds
Is not known to attract Cats
Cats
Is not known to attract Dogs
Dogs
Is not known to attract Horses
Horses
Is not known to attract Livestock
Livestock
Is not known to attract People
People
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