Crataegus monogyna 'Praecox'
Glastonbury thorn
A rounded deciduous tree about 10m tall, with thorny stems and glossy, deeply lobed leaves. This cultivar comes into leaf early in mild winters, and sometimes also produces an early flush of white flowers, which are smaller than those produced in the main flowering period in late spring. These are followed by dark red berries in autumn
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Size
Ultimate height
4–8 metresTime to ultimate height
10–20 yearsUltimate spread
4–8 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | White | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | |||
| Autumn | Green Yellow | Red | ||
| Winter | White | Green |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or North–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H7Botanical details
- Family
- Rosaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Bushy, Spreading branched
- Potentially harmful
- Seeds contain toxins so these should be removed if you are considering eating the fruit, usually grown as an ornamental shrub Pets: Fruit are ornamental - not to be eaten - see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants for further information and useful contact numbers
- Genus
Crataegus are deciduous trees and shrubs, usually with spiny branches, lobed or toothed leaves, and clusters of creamy-white flowers followed by red or black fruits. Some have fine autumn colour
- Name status
Accepted
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in any (not waterlogged) soil in full sun or part shade. Useful specimen trees for town, coastal or exposed gardens. Use for wildlife hedging. See hawthorn cultivation for further advice
Propagation
Propagate by seed or grafting in winter
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Coastal
- Cottage and informal garden
- Wildlife gardens
- Hedging and screens
- Edible fruit
Pruning
Pruning group 1; or trim hedges after flowering or in autumn
Pests
May be susceptible to caterpillars, aphids and gall mites
Diseases
May be susceptible to fireblight, honey fungus, crown gall, silver leaf, Powdery mildews and leaf spots
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