ENGLISH HAWTHORN Crataegus laevigata
Crataegus laevigata, known as the midland hawthorn, English hawthorn, woodland hawthorn or mayflower, is a species of hawthorn native to western and central Europe, from Great Britain (where it is typically found in ancient woodland and old hedgerows) and Spain east to the Czech Republic and Hungary. It is also present in North Africa. The species name is sometimes spelt C. levigata, but the original orthography is C. lævigata. It is distinguished from the closely related common hawthorn, C. monogyna, in the leaves being only shallowly lobed, with forward-pointing lobes, and in the flowers having more than one style. Each style produces a seed, so its fruits also have more than one seed and these make them slightly oval, in contrast with the single-seeded and therefore round fruits of common hawthorn.
These plants are sometimes used for bonsai, though they can be grown as a regular full-sized tree. If growing as a Bonsai, we are offering our Bonsai growing instruction booklet as an option with your seeds. It contains full-colour images and detailed information about germinating, growing, pruning and potting your new bonsai! It is the same booklet that is offered in our bonsai kit.
Hardiness zones: 3-8
Location: Sun or part sun
Seeds per pack: 5
Germination: Soak in sulfuric or nitric acid for 1-2 hours and wash under cold water for 10-15 minutes., rinse 3 times. Plant 2-3 seeds in each pot, just under the surface of a seed-start mix. Water, and cold stratify for 120 days (a refrigerator works well). If you are starting your seeds during the cool weather, the pots can be placed in a cold garage. Once the cold period is completed, place the pots in a warm, sunny spot. You should see the first sign of germination within the next few days or weeks, depending on the variety. Generally a 10-60 day range is normal for the first signs of growth. When the seedlings are about 5cm (2") tall, remove any additional plants and leave only the strongest seedling in each pot. The removed seedlings can be planted in a garden or elsewhere if desired.
