Hawthorn

Podcast 1 · Introduction

Hawthorn

A documentary-style narration: origin, meaning, and feel.

Part of speech

noun

Pronunciation

HAW-thorn  /ˈhɔːθɔːn/

Definition

A thorny shrub or small tree of the genus Crataegus, bearing white, pink, or red blossom in spring and red berries (haws) in autumn; widely used for hedgerows and associated with ancient folk customs and May Day celebrations in Britain.

Plain meaning

The hawthorn is the common thorny hedgerow tree of the British countryside — the one that flowers white in May and produces small red berries in autumn. It is one of the most culturally and ecologically significant native trees in Britain.

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Neutral and botanical. Hawthorn is widely known as the may tree or white thorn. Its ecological and cultural significance makes it a rich subject across natural history, landscape history, and folk tradition.