Hawthorn

Crataegus monogyna

Hedgerow

Hawthorn

Crataegus monogyna

Process firstAug–OctHedgerow

Hedgerow, scrub, woodland edge

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All Identification Points

Deeply lobed dark green leaves, 3–7 lobes

Sturdy sharp thorns on twigs

Dense clusters of deep red oval berries from September

White five-petalled blossom (May) in spring

Single stone inside each berry — do not eat seeds

Harvest Notes

Pick haws from September. Avoid eating the seeds which contain cyanogenic compounds.

Uses

Haw ketchup, jelly, fruit leather, herbal tea from flowers and leaves, wine.

Equipment Needed

Container, strainer, muslin for jelly-making.

Storage

Refrigerate up to a week. Cook and strain for preserves.

Lookalikes

No dangerous lookalikes. Holly berries (Ilex aquifolium) are toxic but easily distinguished by glossy spiny leaves.

Relative Nutrition

Protein
Vitamin C
Iron

Where to Find It

Dundry Hill and Stockwood Open Space offer excellent hawthorn hedgerows.

Blaise CastleAshton Court EstateDundry HillFailandStockwood Open Space
Personal foraging permitted under the Theft Act 1968. Never uproot plants without landowner permission. Always use multiple identification methods before consuming any wild food.
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