Hawthorn Berries (Crataegus monogyna) — Bulk Dried Herb
Hawthorn Berries (Crataegus monogyna)
Hawthorn is one of the most beloved and botanically significant trees of the European landscape — a thorny, long-lived shrub or small tree whose white spring blossoms, dense summer foliage, and brilliant red autumn berries have made it a symbol of hope, protection, and the turning of the seasons across Celtic, European, and Christian traditions for thousands of years. The Hawthorn is the May tree — its blossoms marking the arrival of spring in the British Isles — and its berries, known as “haws,” have been gathered and used as food and botanical preparations since prehistoric times.
Our Hawthorn berries are certified organic, whole-dried to preserve their full botanical character.
Botanical Profile
- Botanical Name: Crataegus monogyna (and related species including C. laevigata)
- Family: Rosaceae (Rose family)
- Common Names: Hawthorn, Common Hawthorn, May Tree, Whitethorn, Quickthorn, Haw
- Plant Part Used: Berry (haw/fruit)
- Preparation: Whole dried berry
- Cultivation: Certified Organic
- Origin: Europe
- Appearance: Small, dark red to burgundy dried berries with a mealy texture
- Aroma: Mildly sweet, slightly floral, faintly earthy
- Flavor Profile: Mildly sweet, slightly tart, mealy, apple-like
About the Plant
Native to Europe, western Asia, and North Africa, Crataegus monogyna is a thorny deciduous shrub or small tree that grows to 10 meters in height, producing deeply lobed leaves, clusters of fragrant white five-petaled flowers in spring, and small oval red berries (haws) in autumn. The tree is extraordinarily long-lived — some specimens in the British Isles are estimated to be over 700 years old — and forms impenetrable hedgerows that have defined the British countryside for centuries. Hawthorn has been used as a hedging plant since at least the Bronze Age and was the primary plant used in the great enclosure hedges of medieval England. The tree holds profound cultural significance in Celtic tradition, where it was considered a gateway to the fairy realm and was associated with the goddess Brigid.
Traditional Context
Hawthorn berries have been used as a food and botanical preparation in European traditions since prehistoric times. The berries were eaten fresh, dried, and made into jams, wines, and syrups across Europe. In TCM the related species Crataegus pinnatifida (Shan Zha) is used as a digestive botanical. In Western herbalism, Hawthorn — including the berries, flowers, and leaves — has been used since at least the 1st century CE and appears in the writings of Dioscorides. It became particularly prominent in Western herbal practice in the late 19th century and remains one of the most widely used and researched botanicals in contemporary Western herbalism.
Suggested Preparations
- Decoctions: Simmer 1–2 tablespoons of dried berries in 2 cups of water for 20 minutes
- Tinctures: Well-suited for alcohol extraction
- Syrups & Jams: Traditionally prepared as a culinary preserve
- Herbal Blends: Pairs with Rose Hip, Elderberry, and Linden in traditional formulas
- Culinary: Used in jams, wines, and fruit leathers
Quality & Sourcing
- ✓ Certified Organic
- ✓ Whole Dried Berry
- ✓ Identity Verified
- ✓ Ethically Sourced
- ✓ Small Batch
- ✓ No Additives or Fillers
Storage
Store in an airtight container in a cool, dark, dry place. Properly stored, dried Hawthorn berries maintain their quality for 2–3 years.
A Note on Use
This product is sold as a botanical ingredient for culinary, educational, and traditional use. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Consult a qualified healthcare practitioner before use if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medications (particularly cardiac medications), or have a health condition.
Every purchase supports Twin Dragons Botanical Institute’s mission of botanical conservation, responsible sourcing, and the preservation of plant knowledge for future generations.