Hawthorn berries (haws) - Crataegus monogyna (October 2008)

Hawthorn is a deciduous dense leaved thorny tree with a short trunk. In late spring they flower with a distinctive white blossom with strong scent which later bare red berries (haws). They can grow to a height of around 10 - 15m and live as long as 250 years.

The species can benefit biodiversity as it protects seedlings of other broadleaved trees particularly oak from predation and hence aids natural regeneration. Natural distribution throughout British Isles and Europe to 500m, and they can be found on all soil types and are a common site around Wales' mountains.