Crataegus monogyna Stricta - Hawthorn

Crataegus monogyna 'Stricta' is a variety of White Hawthorn that stands out for its remarkably narrow and columnar habit. It reaches about 10m (33ft) in height with only 3m (10ft) in width. In May-June, it is covered with simple and bright white flowers, gathered in corymbs. In autumn, it produces dark red, decorative fruits that are appreciated by birds. Resistant, hardy, and easy to grow, it will find its place in all gardens, even small ones, and is particularly suitable for hedging purposes.

Crataegus monogyna, known as the Single-style Hawthorn, Mono-style Hawthorn, or White Thorn, is a species native to central and southern Europe where it grows in deciduous or mixed forests, in open woods, on the edge of or even in open terrain (meadows). This ornamental plant is ideal for hedges. It belongs to the large Rosaceae family. It is a spiny bush with hard wood and a long lifespan, reaching a height of 10m (33ft) and a width of 6m (20ft) at maturity, with a bushy and dense habit.

'Stricta' is a columnar form, with an erect and narrow habit, slightly widening with age. It reaches about 10m (33ft) in height with 3m (10ft) in width. The trunk bark is grey-brown and scaly, and the short stems are spiny. Its foliage is alternate and deciduous. It is composed of simple leaves, 2 to 5cm (1 to 2in) long, ovate in shape, and deeply cut into 5 to 7 toothed lobes. The leaf veins are divergent. The leaves are shiny dark green, with a duller underside, turning yellow in autumn. In May-June, numerous single, fragrant white flowers appear, grouped in dense and flat corymbs of 6 to 12 flowers. The flower corollas consist of 5 rounded petals and numerous stamens with light pink anthers turning purple. The flowers measure 10 to 20mm (0.4 to 1in) in diameter. In September-October, spherical red fruits with a single stone called "haws" appear, measuring 6 to 10mm (0.2 to 0.4 in) in length. These berries are consumed by birds.

Crataegus monogyna 'Stricta' adapts to any well-drained soil, even limestone, in sunny or semi-shaded positions. It is known for its cardiac regulatory, antispasmodic, and diuretic properties when infused with dried flowers. Not demanding and very hardy, it only requires balanced pruning in February. With its columnar growth, it will fit into gardens of all sizes, in alignment along narrow paths or as a garden border. Resistant to pollution and salt spray, it is an excellent choice for urban or coastal gardens.

Fun facts: White Thorn was once associated with May 1st. It was used as a calming agent to treat gout attacks and pleurisy in the Middle Ages. Be cautious of overdosing, as it can cause cardiovascular disorders. Its wood is used for heating and carpentry.

The term "monogyna" comes from the Latin "monogunus," which means "with a single style." This criterion distinguishes this variety from Crataegus laevigata, which has 2 or 3 styles (pistils) and therefore 2 or 3 stones in the fruit.