Meet Your Neighbors: Hawthorn Trees

Eli Wolper: 12/21/23

As the year draws to a close and the grey ceiling rolls in, it can be difficult to keep your spirits merry and bright. One of the best ways we have found is by getting outside when the weather allows.

And while you’re out, why not get acquainted with some of your neighborhood flora?

Hawthorn trees in general can be identified by their 1-3 inch long thorns along their branches, clusters of small, bright red berries at the ends of boughs, and -if there are any remaining- serrated palmate leaves. Limbs and leaves are arranged in an alternating pattern.

Hawthorns are members of the rosids- close relatives of more common table fruits like apples and pears. Both hawthorn fruit (also called haws) and leaves have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Eaten raw, hawthorn berries have a mild apple flavor and paste-like texture. The pastiness comes from the haw’s relatively high pectin content, which helps fruits keep their shape through the fall and winter. This makes them a source of food for migratory and overwintering birds at a time when such bounty is often scarce. As far as human consumption goes, where they shine is in jams, jellies, and fruit fillings, adding volume and improving texture (though you may want to strain out their seeds for a more pleasant experience.)

You’ll most likely spot the trees as part of landscaping- in treelawns, front yards, and boulevards, though a few can be found on the trails at our local parks.

References

Gurley, B. (2023, December 14). Pectin | Cellulose, Polysaccharides & Carbohydrates. Britannica. Retrieved December 18, 2023, from https://www.britannica.com/science/pectin

MissyPenny. (2015, November 9). Pennsylvania Hawthorn (Crataegus pennsylvanica) - Garden.org. The National Gardening Association. Retrieved December 18, 2023, from https://garden.org/.../Pennsylvania-Hawthorn-Crataegus.../

Smith, M. L. (2022, August 25). Hawthorn: A Flowering Ornamental Tree. Penn State Extension. Retrieved December 18, 2023, from https://extension.psu.edu/hawthorn-a-flowering-ornamental...

Zhang, J., Zhao, X., Hou, G., & Meng, Q. (2022, September 15). Food Applications and Potential Health Benefits of Hawthorn. NCBI. Retrieved December 18, 2023, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9498108/

Image Credit: Janet Pesaturo, https://ouroneacrefarm.com/.../hawthorn-berries-identify.../