Hawthorn, or Whitethorn, or May-tree, is a deciduous bush or small tree, familiar to most of us. The flowers grow in loose clusters and have pink or purple anthers. The leaves are small and deeply cut. Branches have sharp thorns at intervals. The red berries are indigestible and there is a tradition in Ireland that they cause jaundice. The plant grows on scrub on most soils except for peat, and is also commonly used for hedges, especially in the countryside. There are uneasy feelings associated with Hawthorn. In Ireland and England it was considered disastrously unlucky to bring the flowers into a house. Many people are terrified of digging up or cutting down a solitary thorn tree, perhaps because thorns are linked with sacred places, graves, hidden treasure, trysting places. Some say that the crown of thorns was a hawthorn. In any case the flowering thorn tree symbolised the end of winter to many primitive peoples; this may have given it a sacred value from pagan times onward in several countries. The flowers bloom in May and June.
Hawthorn is common in Britain, except for northern Scotland, and grows through Europe eastwards to Afghanistan.