People have used hawthorn berry as an herbal remedy for centuries. It's packed with antioxidants, and it may even help with heart conditions. Hawthorn, (genus Crataegus), large genus of thorny shrubs or small trees in the rose family (Rosaceae), native to the north temperate zone.

Understanding the Context

Many species are common to North America, and a number of cultivated varieties are grown as ornamentals for their attractive flowers and fruits. Hawthorns are deciduous trees and shrubs prized for their ornamental beauty, medicinal uses, and ecological benefits. They are most notable for their profuse white or pink flowers, often with a pleasant scent, and their bright red berries called “haws” which persist into the winter. Hawthorn trees are small to medium-sized trees, often characterized by their thorny branches, hence the name.

Key Insights

They have lobed or serrated leaves, and in spring, they bloom with clusters of white or sometimes pink flowers, which are followed by red fruits known as “haws.”