The Washington Hawthorn: A Hidden Gem

Recently, I noticed a Hawthorn tree in my neighbor’s yard. It had always been there, but I hadn’t paid much attention to it because I didn’t know what it was. I’d heard the name "Hawthorn" before, but I had never actually seen one up close. Naturally, my curiosity kicked in, and I started researching the tree’s history and its many uses. It turns out, Hawthorn trees are fascinating! Depending on the species, they have a wide range of applications, from medicinal to culinary.

What surprised me even more was learning about the tree's spiritual significance. Both in Paganism and Christianity, the Hawthorn is often seen as a symbol of protection and purification.

While some species of Hawthorn, like Crataegus punctata (Dotted Hawthorn) or Crataegus viridis (Green Hawthorn), are native to parts of the United States and are generally not considered invasive, others can behave quite differently. Non-native varieties, such as Crataegus monogyna (Common Hawthorn) and Crataegus laevigata (English Hawthorn), are known to spread aggressively in disturbed habitats and are considered invasive in certain regions.

Interestingly, the Hawthorn tree in my neighbor’s yard is a Washington Hawthorn (Crataegus phaenopyrum), a different variety that is generally not invasive. I’m excited to share some photos soon and dive deeper into what makes this tree so unique. Stay tuned!