Common Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna, #583)

This small Hawthorn sapling sprung up in the wilder corner of the garden, probably from a seed dropped in the winter by a passing thrush. It took me a while to work out what plant it was, sprouting up among the weeds. Common Hawthorn is a key species for a wildlife garden, not just for its blossom & berries, but also as nesting cover for birds and as a food-plant for 150+ species of insect. As such, I feel compelled to keep it. I have to move it from the place it has self-seeded, but as a tree that than can grow to up to 8m in height finding a space in my small garden is a bit of a challenge; however where there’s a will there’s a way, so I’m sure it will fit somewhere.

#583 Common Hawthorn ( Crataegus monogyna)