The trees at Keele

We have over 150 species of tree on campus, not counting the 240 species and varieties of Flowering Cherry! Amongst them are many of our common native species as well as some more unusual ones. So, if you can't tell a Beech from a Birch or just want to know a bit more about them then read on!

Hawthorn  Crataegus monogyna

Hawthorn flower and fruit

This is the common plant of the hedgerow but it can grow into a sizeable tree. Because of its fast growth and spiny branches it is the tree of choice for farmland hedgerows.

Hawthorn leaf The leaves are deeply dissected and turn orange to dark red in the autumn.

The flowers are white, typical of the Rosaceae, and occur in profusion in most years, though a late frost can damage them. They turn pink shortly before they fall.

Fruit: the scientific name refers to the single seed whereas the related Midland Hawthorn C. oxyacantha (which is rare in Staffordshire) has 2-3 seeds.

In some areas destruction of Hawthorn is said to invite peril while it is considered bad luck to bring the blossoms indoors.

Location : common throughout the campus and surrounding farmland.