In some years the extent of C. monogyna in the UK hedgerows becomes obvious from the long rows of white blossom which criss-cross the countryside. Much of it is planted of course but the fruits are eaten by birds and bird sown plants are common. The interesting thing about this plant comes from its use in hedges. You will rarely see a Hawthorn that has been given the opportunity to grow unhindered by human attention but if you see one, you will immediately notice that its shape is very different from the neatly clipped shrubs of the hedgerows. It can grow to be a tree more than 7 m tall if you let it, but in poor soils it can be very stunted too.

It is on of the commonest plants being found throughout the British Isles and Ireland.

Cheshire Lane LHS: 1st May 2005 RHS: 4th October 2004

Added on January 25th 2004, updated 8th December 2008, updated 21st March 2010