Definition

Noun: 1. A thorny Eurasian shrub or small tree (Crataegus laevigata or Crataegus monogyna) characterized by dense clusters of white to pink or scarlet flowers, followed by deep red berries (haws). It is naturalized in eastern North America. 2. A European hawthorn, specifically cultivated in many varieties, often with deeply cleft leaves and bright red fruits, frequently used to form dense, impenetrable hedges. It is also established in the wild in eastern North America.

Examples of Usage

• The garden border was lined with a dense hedge of English hawthorn.
• In spring, the English hawthorn is covered with clusters of fragrant white flowers.
• Many birds feed on the bright red berries of the English hawthorn in autumn.

Advanced Usage

• Botanical Context: The term is used to distinguish these European species from native North American hawthorns (e.g., , the cockspur hawthorn).
• Horticultural Context: Refers to specific cultivated varieties selected for flower color (e.g., 'Paul's Scarlet' with red flowers) or growth habit for hedging.

Variants and Related Words

• Hawthorn (n): The common name for trees and shrubs of the genus .
• Mayflower (n): A common name for , as it typically blooms in May.
• Quickthorn (n): Another name, emphasizing its use for growing living hedges quickly.
• Whitethorn (n): A name referring to its distinctive pale bark and white flowers.

Synonyms

• May tree
• Common hawthorn (specifically for )

Notes on Different Meanings

The definition encompasses both the wild, naturalized form and the cultivated forms used in landscaping. The primary distinction from other hawthorns is its European origin.

Noun

1. thorny Eurasian shrub of small tree having dense clusters of white to scarlet flowers followed by deep red berries; established as an escape in eastern North America
2. European hawthorn having deeply cleft leaves and bright red fruits; widely cultivated in many varieties and often grown as impenetrable hedges; established as an escape in eastern North America