Hawthorn

Cretaegus monogyna

Most commonly seen as a deciduous thorny shrub in hedges, the Hawthorn can grow to a height if 12 metres as a small tree. It has flaky, bright brown bark. The small white flowers appear before the leaves and turn pink as they mature. Its bright red berries are known as haws and are usually ripe during September. Makes an ideal species for hedging in any wildlife garden as it supports much more wildlife than do urban hedge varieties such as Leyland Cypress.