Library News and Views: History of the Hawthorne ... and much more

By Francine Brady

Havre-Hill County Library

I never imagined that I would enjoy a book written about the history of the Hawthorn tree. I have looked at books that identify trees, but those were not as fascinating as “Hawthorn: the tree that has nourished, healed and inspired through the ages” by Bill Vaughn.

Living in Montana, Vaughn has Hawthorns growing on his property. Trying to trim back his first Hawthorn became quite a daunting task even while using a chainsaw. Thus began his search into his family roots and the history of the Hawthorn.

The Hawthorn has beautiful flowers (usually white) and fruit that is enjoyed by people, animals and insects, but has an armor of dangerous thorns. The thorns are not only sharp, but sometimes contain a powder that can lead to severe infections. When broken off next to a joint, the thorn can cause a severe inflammation that can become arthritic. The thorns could also be used as an awl to pierce leather so that it could be sewn together.

Irish peasants planted the Hawthorn as a hedge to corral livestock. Known as the poor man’s forest it was used for firewood as they were forbidden to cut trees on the lands of the wealthy.

Native Americans valued Crataegus (Hawthorn) for its medicinal uses. The bark could be placed on skin to reduce inflammation. A tonic was made for strengthening the heart, relieving chest pains and pushing blood. Several years ago the berries sold for $4 to $6 a pound.

During World War II, the Normandy invasion was slowed due to the Hawthorn. The hedges were formidable barriers to troops and tanks. Tanks trying to smash through the hedge rows were mired in clumps of mud and roots. Often they lost tracks or took so long to get through the hedges, they were easily fired upon by the Germans. Trying to bulldoze over the tops of the hedges opened the lightly armored underbellies of tanks to sniper fire. The solution was to build blades on the front of the tanks that would cut through the hedges. The plan of attack is told in detail, but it worked and the tanks and infantry could get through.

The blossoms of the Hawthorn have an offensive perfume to some. Dogs like the scent because it smells a little like something rotten. Vaughn does not say that about all the Hawthorns. The honey produced from most species of Crataegus tends to be dark amber in color, wild tasting and thicker than honey made from clover.

There are abundant legends concerning the Hawthorn. One focuses on the thorns being used to kill vampires. The Hawthorn is associated with Christ’s crown of thorns and that is why on Good Friday Hawthorns cry and groan. The white flowers, which are the first to bloom in the spring, are associated with the Virgin Mary and several of her apparitions. Fairies build their homes amongst the Hawthorns. Superstition about fairies and Hawthorns have caused roads to be routed around a fairy tree so as not to incur the wrath of the fairies and bring about bad luck. Some say DeLorean’s financial ruin and troubles were due to the fact he cut down a Hawthorn that housed fairies.

There are thousands of varieties of Hawthorn trees scattered all over the world. Different cultures have used them for food, weapons, medicine and fortresses. They are a rather dense wood, so are used more for ornamental use and not building homes.

An enjoyable read that I recommend. Even if you are not into the science behind the development of the tree, its history will keep you reading to the end.