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Hawthorn
Crataegus monogyna
This familiar small spiny tree with its variable lobed-leaves is well distributed around the Kinson Common. Its spiny thorns act as a deterrent to both humans and animals. It is noticeable in the hedgerows during the springtime when it is heavily blanketed with white to pink flowers. These flowers scent the air heavily with a certain pungency during May or June and are greatly appreciated by insects of all kinds.
In the autumn the fruit or haws are deep-red in colour and are much loved by many varities of wild birds.
Hawthorn has been used in the construction of hedges and field boundaries ever since Man first enclosed land for his own purposes.
Although the wood of the Hawthorn may be highly polished, it has a very limited use. In olden days, the bark was used to dye wool black.
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