May Tree

I’ve often admired this blossoming tree which is in a favourite place of mine in a nearby village. My gardener friend says it’s either Hawthorne or Blackthorne.

The Hawthorne Tree also know as the May Tree because it flowers in May, back in the day flowering branches were used as decorations outside houses.

Hawthorn has long been associated with faeries and witches. Celtic myths abound of the tricky faery luring human mortals into a world where time moved differently. This makes sense as whenever I visit this special place time seems to stand still then I glance at my watch and hours have passed!

If this tree is a Blackthorne Tree then it is best known for the fruits which are used to make slow gin yet this tree is also associated with witchcraft. This is an early flowering tree which provides a valuable source of nectar and pollen for bees in spring. Its foliage is a food plant for many insects and birds often nest among the dense, thorny thickets. 

So if it flowers in late summer with purple-black fruits then it’s a Blackthorne, if it flowers in autumn with red-berried fruits then it’s a Hawthorne. I’ll keep you posted!