The term "haw tree" is spelled with a silent "w", which means it sounds like "hɔː" when pronounced phonetically. The "h" is pronounced with a strong puff of air, followed by an open vowel sound "ɔː". The word "haw" refers to the fruit of the hawthorn tree, which is also known as a "hawberry". These small, reddish fruits have a slightly tart taste and are often used in jams, jellies and as a flavouring in alcohol. The hawthorn tree is native to Europe, Asia and North America.
The haw tree is a deciduous tree scientifically known as Crataegus monogyna. It belongs to the Rosaceae family and is native to Europe, North Africa, and Western Asia. The tree is characterized by its small to medium size, growing up to 10-15 meters tall, with a dense, thorny, and bushy structure. Its leaves are lobed and toothed, with a glossy green color during summer and turning vibrant shades of red and orange in autumn.
The haw tree is primarily valued for its fruit, called haws, which are small, round, and berry-like, similar to a rosehip. The haws usually ripen in autumn, turning from green to vibrant shades of red or orange. They are often used in culinary creations, such as jams, jellies, and sauces, due to their tart and slightly sweet taste. These fruits are also prominent in traditional herbal medicine for their potential health benefits, as they contain high levels of antioxidants and flavonoids.
Additionally, the haw tree provides great aesthetic appeal, especially during springtime when it blooms with clusters of fragrant white flowers. These flowers attract numerous pollinators like bees and butterflies, ensuring the tree's reproductive success. The thorny branches of the haw tree offer shelter and protection for various bird species, making it a popular choice for hedgerows and wildlife gardens.
Due to its many attributes, the haw tree holds cultural and symbolic significance in different regions. It is often associated with fertility and protection, and has been featured in various folklore and legends throughout history.
The word "haw tree" is derived from the Old English word "hagathorn". "Haga" meant "hedge", and "thorn" referred to the tree with thorns. Over time, "hagathorn" transformed into "hawthorn", which is commonly used today to refer to the tree. The "haw" part emphasizes the fruit of the tree, known as haws, which are small red berries.