At first we thought this shrub was a Crataegus laevigata (Midland Hawthorn). The leaves were not deeply cut (serrate) and the individual flowers seemed larger and well spaced contrasting the crowded inflorescence of Crataegus monogyna (Hawthorn). However the hybrid between Crataegus monogyna and Crataegus laevigata (Crataegus x media) occurs frequently throughout the range of Crataegus laevigata (Midland Hawthorn) and so a more thorough examination was needed. C. laevigata as 2 or 3 styles per flower and these flowers had one, occasionally two, which made it the hybrid even though it looked like pure C. laevigata.

The hybrid is found most often in the midlands and south east of England thinning out as you go north. In Ireland it is found in Northern Ireland with almost none in the south.

Woods near Appleton Thorn 21st April 2007

Added on 5th May 2007, updated 8th December 2008, updated 21st March 2010