I’m often getting asked how to tell the difference between hawthorn and blackthorn. So, here’s a practical photo guide:
Hawthorn and Blackthorn are both members of the same plant family – the Rose family or Rosaceae. Once you recognise them you’ll see they have features in common which are also shared by other members of this family such as apple, pear, cherry, whitebeam.
There are two indigenous hawthorns in the UK – the Common Hawthorn (crataegus monogyna) and Midland Hawthorn (crataegus laevigata) but for the purposes of this guide I’ll treat both the same unless indicated.
Blackthorn and hawthorn are both commonly found in hedgerows as a dense thorny shrub. Hawthorn is also found as a tree growing to about 10m.
Leaves - Common Hawthorn (left), Blackthorn (right). Hawthorn has lobed leaves, Blackthorn has elliptical leaves tapering at the base.
Thorns - Hawthorn (left), Blackthorn (right). The thorns of both species start as spurs, or side-shoots, common to this family and then develop into hard thorns. Blackthorn thorns are generally longer.
Growth habit - Hawthorn (left), Blackthorn (right). Both have straight spurs bearing leaves, flowers and fruit. Blackthorn generally more messy and dense.
Fruit - Hawthorn (left) Blackthorn (right). Hawthorn fruit, haws, have a single stone in a hollow red-crimson cup. Blackthorn fruit, sloes, are round and blue-black often with grey bloom. Both fruits start green as in this picture.
Hawthorn Blossom - A sign of Summer. Hawthorn has leaves before flowers. Blackthorn has flowers before leaves - a key ident in spring.
Other posts you may like:
Improve Your Plant Identification – My 10 Step Plan
Wild Food – Avoid poisoning yourself, legalities and stuff
I recommend using a good key to hone your plant ID. I thoroughly recommend The Wild Flower Key by Francis Rose.
Hey Nick, I googled to find photos of the differences to show to a friend and was referred to your site; you’re officially famous!
)
Pics are so much easier to relay than 140 chars on Twitter!
Nice job
Why thanks Helen!
Officially famous. I’ll get a plaque made!