Blackthorn vs. Hawthorn — What's the Difference?
By Maham Liaqat & Urooj Arif — Updated on April 5, 2024
Blackthorn is known for its dark bark and sloe berries, thriving in hedgerows and fields, while hawthorn is distinguished by its glossy leaves, fragrant white flowers, and red berries, commonly found in woodland edges.
Difference Between Blackthorn and Hawthorn
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Blackthorn, or Prunus spinosa, is a deciduous shrub recognized for its dense, spiny branches and small, dark blue fruits known as sloes. It blossoms with small, white flowers before the leaves appear in early spring, creating a stark contrast against its dark bark. On the other hand, hawthorn, belonging to the genus Crataegus, features glossy, lobed leaves and clusters of fragrant white flowers that bloom in late spring, followed by red berries. This difference in flowering and fruiting times is a key distinguishing feature between the two.
The habitat of blackthorn is often hedgerows and open fields, where it forms dense, impenetrable thickets, providing excellent cover and nesting sites for wildlife. Hawthorn, while also common in hedgerows, is more frequently found at the edges of woodlands and in scrubland, where it plays a crucial role in supporting biodiversity, offering both food and protection for various species.
Blackthorn wood is hard and durable, making it ideal for tool handles and walking sticks. Its sloes are widely used in the production of sloe gin, a popular liqueur. Hawthorn, however, has wood that is less commonly utilized in crafts but is valued for its medicinal properties, with the leaves, flowers, and berries used in traditional remedies to treat heart conditions.
One of the cultural distinctions between the two plants is their symbolism. Blackthorn is often associated with hardship and adversity, partly due to its thorny nature and the bitterness of its fruit. In contrast, hawthorn has connections to May Day celebrations and is considered a symbol of hope and protection, reflecting its benevolent presence in folklore and its protective qualities in the landscape.
Despite their differences, both blackthorn and hawthorn are integral components of the British countryside, contributing to the structure and ecological diversity of rural and semi-rural landscapes. Their presence is not only significant for wildlife but also enriches the cultural and natural heritage of the regions they inhabit.
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Comparison Chart
Flowers
Small, white, appear before leaves in early spring.
Fragrant, white, bloom in late spring after leaves.
Fruit
Dark blue sloes, bitter.
Red berries, slightly sweet.
Habitat
Hedgerows, open fields, forms dense thickets.
Edges of woodlands, scrubland, common in hedgerows.
Uses
Wood used for walking sticks; sloes for sloe gin.
Medicinal uses; less commonly used in crafts.
Symbolism
Associated with hardship and adversity.
Symbol of hope, protection, and May Day celebrations.
Compare with Definitions
Blackthorn
A thorny shrub with dark bark and sloe berries, used in hedgerows.
The blackthorn’s sloes were harvested for making sloe gin.
Hawthorn
A plant with glossy leaves, white flowers, and red berries, valued medicinally.
The hawthorn’s berries are harvested for their heart-healthy properties.
Blackthorn
Blossoms with white flowers in early spring.
The blackthorn flowers adorned the hedgerow before any leaves appeared.
Hawthorn
Its wood is less commonly used but has traditional medicinal uses.
Though not often crafted into tools, hawthorn has been used in herbal remedies for centuries.
Blackthorn
Produces sloes, used in culinary applications.
Sloes from the blackthorn are a key ingredient in traditional sloe gin.
Hawthorn
Features fragrant flowers that bloom in spring.
In May, the hawthorn’s flowers fill the air with their sweet scent.
Blackthorn
Known for its durable wood, ideal for making tools.
He carved a walking stick from the hard wood of the blackthorn.
Hawthorn
Considered a symbol of hope and protection.
The hawthorn tree, blooming in spring, is a herald of hope.
Blackthorn
Symbolizes hardship due to its thorny branches and bitter fruit.
The blackthorn, with its protective thorns, stands as a symbol of overcoming adversity.
Hawthorn
Found in woodland edges and hedgerows, supporting biodiversity.
The hawthorn bush provides shelter and food for myriad wildlife species.
Blackthorn
A thorny deciduous Eurasian shrub (Prunus spinosa) of the rose family, having white flowers and small bluish-black fruits. Also called sloe.
Hawthorn
Any of various usually thorny trees or shrubs of the genus Crataegus of the rose family, having clusters of white or pinkish flowers and reddish fruits containing a few one-seeded nutlets.
Blackthorn
A large shrub or small tree, Prunus spinosa, that is native to Europe, western Asia, and north Africa. It has a dark bark and bears thorns.
Hawthorn
Any of various shrubs and small trees of the genus Crataegus having small, apple-like fruits and thorny branches
Blackthorn
A stick or staff taken from this tree.
Hawthorn
A thorny shrub or tree (the Cratægus oxyacantha), having deeply lobed, shining leaves, small, roselike, fragrant flowers, and a fruit called haw. It is much used in Europe for hedges, and for standards in gardens. The American hawthorn is Cratægus cordata, which has the leaves but little lobed.
Gives not the hawthorn bush a sweeter shadeTo shepherds?
Blackthorn
A spreading thorny shrub or small tree (Prunus spinosa), with blackish bark, and bearing little black plums, which are called sloes; the sloe.
Hawthorn
A spring-flowering shrub or small tree of the genus Crataegus
Blackthorn
A thorny Eurasian bush with plumlike fruits
Blackthorn
Erect and almost thornless American hawthorn with somewhat pear-shaped berries
Common Curiosities
Are there any medicinal benefits associated with these plants?
Yes, hawthorn is well-known for its heart-healthy benefits, including improving cardiovascular function, while blackthorn is not commonly used for medicinal purposes today.
How can I distinguish between blackthorn and hawthorn when they are not flowering or fruiting?
Look at the branches and leaves; blackthorn has dark, thorny branches with simple leaves, while hawthorn has glossy, lobed leaves and branches that may also have thorns but are generally less dense.
How do the symbolic meanings of blackthorn and hawthorn influence their use in gardens or landscapes?
Their symbolic meanings, along with their ecological benefits, can influence their use in designing spaces that resonate with cultural heritage, provide wildlife support, or embody specific themes of adversity or protection.
Can blackthorn and hawthorn be found growing together?
Yes, they often grow in proximity within hedgerows and the countryside, each playing a unique role in the ecosystem.
How long do these plants live?
Both blackthorn and hawthorn can live for many decades, with some hawthorn trees living over a hundred years, depending on conditions.
Do blackthorn and hawthorn require a lot of maintenance?
They are both hardy and relatively low-maintenance, thriving in a variety of conditions with minimal care once established.
Are blackthorn and hawthorn resistant to pests and diseases?
While generally robust, they can be susceptible to specific pests and diseases. Regular monitoring and good cultural practices can mitigate most issues.
Is it legal to forage sloes and hawthorn berries from the wild?
While generally permissible for personal use, foraging laws vary by region, and it’s advisable to check local regulations and ensure sustainable practices.
Can both plants be used for hedging?
Yes, both blackthorn and hawthorn are excellent for hedging due to their dense growth and thorny branches, offering privacy and security.
Are the fruits of both plants edible?
While both produce edible fruits, blackthorn’s sloes are very bitter and usually consumed processed (e.g., in sloe gin), whereas hawthorn berries can be eaten raw but are more commonly used in jams or herbal preparations.
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Written by
Maham Liaqat
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
