12 HEDGEROW SPECIES
Aug 20, 2020
4 minutes
1 Hawthorn
nown as ‘may’ for the timing of its blossoms, and the old adage “Cast not a clout before the may is out”, its leaves are among the first to appear. Its white blossom cascades in frothy, bridal waterfalls, teeming with insects. Dormice eat the flowers and its dense, thorny twists protect nesting birds. Postbox-red hawberries or ‘lanterns’ are the first thing migratory winter thrushes aim for. Young leaves, buds and flowers can be eaten together as ‘bread and cheese’. Hawthorn has ancient associations and it’s considered bad luck to bring it inside. Its scent shares the chemical trimethylamine with decaying animal tissue, and an old association with death.
You’re reading a preview, subscribe to read more.
Start your free 30 days