Crataegus are deciduous trees and shrubs, usually with spiny branches, lobed foliage, and clusters of creamy-white flowers followed by red or black fruits. Known as Hawthorn or Whitethorn, it is our most common hedgerow here in Ireland, as well as one of our most important as it supports a vast amount of wildlife. It can be trimmed into a neat hedge or left to its own devices. In the spring its branches will be laden with white blossoms and in the autumn an abundance of red haws will be produced. It is a hardy plant that will grow nearly anywhere aside from very wet soil.