Since the hawthorn readily crosses itself even without targeted breeding, there are numerous hawthorn species that are very similar in appearance and growth. Around two hundred to three hundred species are known worldwide, of which around twenty grow wild in Europe and only three in Germany.
Which hawthorn species are there in Germany?
There are three types of hawthorn in Germany: one-handled hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna), two-handled hawthorn (Crataegus laevigata) and large-cup hawthorn (Crataegus curvisepala). They are often difficult to distinguish, but have differences in leaf shape, number of styles and seeds.
Mystical Hawthorn
The hawthorn is mentioned as early as the 1st century in the writings of Dioscorides. Hawthorn leaves decorate the Gothic portal of Reims Cathedral and a capital of Naumburg Cathedral. Christ's crown of thorns is said to have been woven from hawthorn, which gave the tree the German name Christdorn. Hawthorn was considered miraculous in the Middle Ages and its branches were placed to protect against evil spirits.
The hawthorn species found in our regions
It is somewhat difficult to distinguish between the varieties because at first glance they are almost identical in growth and appearance. These species occur in Germany:
- Single-handled hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna)
- Two-handled hawthorn (Crataegus laevigata)
- Large hawthorn (Crataegus curvisepala)
Growth habit
The hawthorn grows as a heavily branched bush or small tree with a spreading crown. In spring the tree is decorated with numerous pleasantly scented flower umbels. The bright red, spherical pseudofruits, four to eight millimeters in size, develop from them by autumn.
If you look closely you can see the differences
The rich green foliage of the invasive hawthorn is oval shaped and three to five times lobed. In contrast, the leaves of the two-handled hawthorn are always three times lobed and have rounded, toothed sections.
The flowers of the one-style hawthorn have only one style, while the flowers of the two-style hawthorn have two or three styles.
The fruits of the Groove Hawthorn contain a single stone. The two-handled hawthorn, on the other hand, produces fruits with two to three seeds.
Ornamental forms of hawthorn
Asian and North American cultivars with slightly larger and densely filled flower clusters are popular and undemanding ornamental trees in our gardens. With their colorful autumn leaves and large fruits, these hawthorn species add pretty color accents in autumn. Unlike other fruit-bearing trees such as firethorn, the berries are not very attractive to birds.
Tips & Tricks
Hawthorn leaves, flowers and fruits are a gentle natural medicine. Mixed with other fruits, hawthorn berries can be used to prepare tasty jams and jellies.
