Hawthorn - a weed (Crataegus monogyna)

Other names: May.

Family: Rosaceae (Rose family).

Native of Europe.

Occurrence: Widespread in Central Victoria. Is more common in higher rainfall areas where it has sometimes been planted as a hedge plant.

Identification:

• it grows to a large shrub or small tree
• the leaves are deciduous and teethed at the tips
• the branches are usually spiny
• it has clusters of red berries.

The fruit are eaten by birds and foxes. Both of these animals contribute to the spread of Hawthorn.

It is a declared noxious weed, and listed as Restricted in central Victoria.

Photo 1: Fruit and leaves with the distinctive toothed margins. 2: The flowers with 5 white petals, as is common to many other members of the rose family. 3: A Cockatoo helping to spread seeds. 4: Fruit. Portland. 5: Hawthorn in winter. Elphinstone.

---