Description

Fast growing, very thorny, native deciduous plant, tolerant of wet soils. Deeply serrated, glossy, dark green leaves are often tinged red when opening, and clusters of prominent scented white flowers, sometimes tinged pink, adorn the plant in May followed by small red haws in autumn. The haws can be used to make hip and haw jelly. Quickthorn makes an excellent hedge with a long season of interest, or it can be grown as a specimen tree, as it is very hardy and is useful in coastal or exposed positions. This plant is excellent for wildlife as its flowers provide nectar and pollen for insects, the haws food the birds and its dense habit good nesting sites protected by the many thorns. For more spectacular varieties see Cockspur Thorn, Double Pink Thorn or Double Scarlet Thorn.