This old saying means keep your layers on until hawthorn’s in bloom, because you can’t rely on the British springtime! Don’t we know it.

Hawthorn can be a tree, bush or hedge, and is a haven of biodiversity, supporting pollinators and other wildlife. Birds love to nest in hawthorn hedges so it’s a good choice for gardens. In autumn its haw berries will feed the birds into winter. Hawthorn is a sociable tree, found around villages, on the edges of woodland and on open land.

May is the month when Hawthorn blossom is celebrated, and it is also known as quick-thorn, whitethorn, or simply May. A member of the rose family, hawthorn is the common name for a number of Crataegus species. Crataegus monogyna is the most common variety, while Crataegus laevigata is an older hedging plant, mostly found in south-east England, and distinguished by a less pleasant smell. These names are being reconsidered; botanical names are changed as our understanding of plant taxonomy improves over time.

Most Hawthorn blossoms have a sweet, heady scent, especially in the sunshine, and the plant puts forth blossoms and leaves at the same time. Blossom is a sign of fruits to come later in the year, so make a mental map and return at harvest time. The leaves are traditionally known as “bread and cheese” for their sustaining qualities when nibbled while walking. The name is also applied to some other young hedgerow leaves, but do check edibility before you start snacking.

May has always been a joyful month in Merrie England and other lands with similar climates. It’s a time to celebrate new life, fertility, the strengthening sun and its quality of fire. Dancing around the Maypole and crowning it in blossom; lighting Beltane fires; listening to the dawn chorus and noticing the activity in the animal world are all reasons to feel joyful and take heart after the long winter.

Hawthorn for the heart

Hawthorn is an all-round heart tonic. People taking heart medication should check before using it, but hawthorn is a traditional remedy to prevent and moderate heart problems. It is both a stimulant and a sedative, bringing harmony. It regulates arterial blood pressure whether high or low, relieves palpitations through its anti-spasmodic qualities, and benefits the circulation. It strengthens the heart muscle, and also acts on the emotional aspects of the heart such as anxiety and insomnia, and is a traditional remedy for menopausal symptoms.

Tasting the May

• Nibble young hawthorn leaves on a walk (checking for insects, avoiding areas of pollution or agricultural spraying).
• Pick a few leaves to add to your salads and sandwiches.
• Pick a few blossoms, shake them to release any insects, and steep them in hot water to make a tisane, including some leaves if you wish. You can also dry the blossoms to use later for tisanes and tinctures. In autumn, use the haw berries in jams, jellies, and herbal remedies.