The fairy tree of folklore

THE Hawthorn tree is a robust and long-lived genus (Crataegus). Part of the rose family, they light up our countryside boundaries with spectacular blossom and later provide food for our wildlife. Thorns - as they are known - are one of the three trees named (along with Oak and Ash) as one of the fairy trees, and thus the fascinating myths and important uses of this unassuming genus emerge.

Known as the "faerie tree" in folklore, the Fairy Queen is depicted with hawthorn, a reminder of our pre-Christian religion practised by priestesses in sacred groves. The site of Westminster Abbey was once called Thorney Island after the sacred trees that stood there. This beautiful, often gnarled, thorny little tree has many other names, but by far the most common name is the May Tree. Hawthorn is not usually in flower on the 1st of May; this is because May Day was traditionally on the 13th May, until it was changed in 1732 when the new calendar was adopted. Celtic Beltane or May Day celebrations were popular at this time, with people and houses decked with the blossom, the cutting of which had great significance and symbolised the beginning of new life and the onset of the growing season.

The woodland (Midland) hawthorn’s (Crateagus laevigata) blossom, however, gives off an unpleasant smell after it is cut, unlike Crateagus monogyna (hedge hawthorn). The Mediaeval people said that the smell was just like the stench of the Great Plague in London and botanists later discovered that the chemical trimethylamine present in the flower, is also one of the first chemicals formed in decaying animal tissue.

It has associations with kings and queens, saints and also Christianity. The Holy Thorn on Wearyall Hill in Glastonbury is one of our most famous hawthorns. It flowers in May and at Christmas a flowering twig is cut and sent to the Queen. This tree is said to be from the original hawthorn (Crataegus m.‘Biflora’) planted by Joseph of Arrhythmia, a disciple of Christ, two thousand years ago.

With all the myths associated with this tree, it would be easy to overlook its value in the past to our domestic way of life. The timber is extremely hard with a fine grain, popular in making small articles such as handles, and for engravers' blocks; the root wood was used for making boxes and combs.

It is also called the "Bread and Cheese Tree". The blossom, berries and concoctions of the flowers and leaves can be made into wines and jellies and brandy liquor was made from the hawthorn buds. Extracts from various parts of the tree contribute widely to any medicinal chest, including treatments for cardiovascular problems, urinary stones and sedatives.

The two native species of common hawthorn (C. monogyna and C. laevigata) are the most popular hedging plants. They form impenetrable barriers and the delicate white or pink flowers offer nectar to many pollinators and havens for nesting birds, providing protection from predators. The haw fruits - delectable red and fleshy - are later enjoyed by small mammals, thrushes and blackbirds in particular. Winter pruning is best to avoid disturbing the multiple inhabitants!

If you want a tree rather than a hedge, try C. laevigata ‘Paul’s Scarlet’, a spectacular, densely double-flowered tree, with velvet red blooms. Another beautiful specimen is Crateagus ‘Crimson Cloud’, with a pink eye in the pinkish bloom, making it a very attractive addition to any garden. These can reach eight metres when mature, but are slow growing. Pretty autumn leaf colour completes the package - a welcome addition to any garden, but avoid waterlogging when choosing a site.

Crateagus are the un-sung heroes of the tree world and an important part of our heritage, enjoyed and revered by countless generations, and a welcome herald to the joy of long summer days, and bountiful harvests yet to come.

Jobs to do

• Keep the weeds at bay – bittercress and dandelions are trying to take hold in the garden. Dead-head any dandelions (if you don’t have time to dig them out immediately) to prevent them seeding.

• Divide those overcrowded perennials – if they resemble a doughnut with no apparent green growth in the middle of the crowns, then they need dividing and replanting, discarding the unproductive piece in the middle.

• Keep watering your bulbs in their pots to lengthen your display.

For more information on things to do in the garden this month visit rhs.org.uk

DIARY DATES

May Half Term Fun: Superpower flowers, Sat 23 - Sun 31 May, 10am - 4pm

Harlow Carr celebrates the power of flowers this half term. Youngsters can get their hands dirty by joining in with the hidden superpower flower trail and fun craft workshops. Fans of buzzing bees will be pleased to know that the Harrogate & Ripon Beekeepers will be here on 30 and 31 May displaying their skilled craft with a range of demos.