Same leaves, same strong thorns, same suitability for hedges – hawthorn and hawthorn have a lot in common. And they are basically the same thing. Would you like to know exactly? Here is a slightly more detailed explanation.
What is the difference between hawthorn and hawthorn?
The main difference between hawthorn and hawthorn is the flower color and shape: hawthorn (Crataegus laevigata 'Paul's Scarlet') has rose-like, double, crimson flowers, while hawthorn (Crataegus laevigata) has simple, undouble white flowers. Hawthorn also produces fruits more rarely and sparsely than hawthorn.
Crataegus laevigata in white and red
To give a brief overview: Red-flowering hawthorn varieties are referred to as hawthorn. They differ mainly in the following points:
- Flower color and shape
- Fruit formation
- Use in the garden
Flower differences
Crataegus laevigata is the name of the two-handled hawthorn in botanical terminology. And this is what we primarily refer to when differentiating between hawthorn and hawthorn. The name hawthorn alone makes things complicated: it is not a clear variety name, but rather an umbrella term for all red-flowering Crataegus varieties. And there are actually also red-flowering versions of the single hawthorn, Crataegus monogyna.
However, only the cultivated form 'Paul's Scarlet' of the two-handled hawthorn is considered real hawthorn. It has the typical three- to five-fold lobed leaves of its white-flowering ancestor and delights with small, rose-like umbellate panicle flowers in fresh carmine red. Other hawthorn varieties also have simple flowers. Hawthorns also have umbelliferous inflorescences, but they are unfilled.
In this article, we will refrain from further differentiating the approximately 200 to 300 varieties of hawthorns and redthorns - the very self-hybridizing Crataegus genus poses challenges even for botanists when it comes to species identification.
More or less fruiting
Apart from the most obvious difference in flower shape and color, redthorn and hawthorn also contrast with each other when it comes to fruit formation. In order to produce more petal fullness and color, hawthorn had to leave some stamens behind - the result is less fertilization potential. Even though the red flower umbels are very attractive to insects, they rarely produce fruit and if they do, then only sparsely.
The hawthorn, on the other hand, is bursting with its brick-red, floury, sweet and sour apple fruits, which are ideal for making into puree, jam or juice. Because of the slightly sour taste, a combination with sweeter fruit is recommended.
Use depending on habitus
The hawthorn is often planted as a solitary plant in gardens and parks not only because of its more striking flower color, but also because of its slightly taller, more tree-like growth. Hawthorns, on the other hand, are primarily used as hedge plants, for which they are ideal because of their richly branched and thorny character.
