25 x Hawthorn Bareroot Hedging 40-60cm

Available from the end of October to April. PRE-ORDER NOW FOR AUTUMN DELIVERY .

Hawthorn

Botanical name: Crataegus

Common name: Hawthorn

Common in hedgerows, the blossom of these trees is a sign of warmer, longer days. Small round fruits and autumn leaf colour extend their season of interest. Versatile in use, they can be grown as hedges, shrubs or trees that thrive on a range of soils and in exposed situations. The tree provides a good wildlife habitat, with masses of nectar-rich flowers for insects and autumn berries, known as haws, offering food for birds.

Value to wildlife

Common hawthorn can support hundreds of other species. It is the foodplant for caterpillars of moths, including the hawthorn, orchard ermine, pear leaf blister, rhomboid tortrix, light emerald, lackey, vapourer, fruitlet-mining tortrix, small eggar and lappet moths. Its flowers are eaten by dormice and provide nectar and pollen for bees and other pollinating insects. The haws are rich in antioxidants and are eaten by migrating birds, such as redwings, fieldfares and thrushes, as well as small mammals.

The dense, thorny foliage makes fantastic nesting shelter for many species of bird.