Hawthorn is a spiny shrub or tree that can grow up to 20 feet tall. Traditionally, it produces its fragrant white flowers in May, hence its alternative name of May-flower. With the warmer weather of recent years, it has often been in flower by mid-April, but the cooler wetter weather of 2012 delayed the flowers until May.
In autumn, the bright crimson berries are a colourful sight, and the leaves turn from green to yellow to purple.

Berries and leaves		Leaves changing colour

Hawthorn berries		Berries in winter

Early leaves and spines