- Wildlife
- Trees and shrubs
- Midland Hawthorn
Philip Precey
About
Midland Hawthorn is a shrub of ancient hedgerows and woodland edges, and is also known as 'Woodland Hawthorn'. In May, our hedgerows burst into life as Midland Hawthorn erupts with masses of pinky-white blossom. During the autumn and winter, red fruits known as 'haws' appear. Midland Hawthorn is a rich habitat for all kinds of wildlife from Hawthorn Shield Bugs and Yellowhammers that feed on the haws, to Wood Mice and Slow Worms that shelter in the thorny thickets.
How to identify
Midland Hawthorn can be distinguished from the much more frequent Common Hawthorn by its shallow-lobed leaves and the fact that it has two seeds in each fruit. Its flowers also have a much fouler smell. Midland Hawthorn is more frequently found in woodland.
Where to find it
Found in central and southern England.
Habitats
When to find it
- January
- February
- March
- April
- May
- June
- July
- August
- September
- October
- Novermber
- December
- January
- February
- March
- April
- May
- June
- July
- August
- September
How can people help
Our hedgerows support all kinds of wildlife, providing vital food and shelter. But these habitats are disappearing with the intensification of agriculture. The Wildlife Trusts are working closely with farmers, landowners and developers to promote wildlife-friendly practices, such as planting hedges and leaving field margins. We have a vision of a 'Living Landscape': a network of habitats and wildlife corridors across town and country, which are good for both wildlife and people. You can support this greener vision for the future by joining your local Wildlife Trust.