Side by side
Hawthorn or firethorn? How to tell them apart
Crataegus monogyna · Pyracantha
How to tell them apart – hawthorn: deciduous, with deeply cut leaves; firethorn: evergreen, thorny shrub with masses of orange, red or yellow berries in autumn.
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How do you recognise them?
- Hawthorn
- Small, deeply cut leaf, sharp thorns, white blossom in May and red berries.
- Compared with firethorn: deciduous, with deeply cut leaves.
- Firethorn
- Evergreen, thorny shrub with masses of orange, red or yellow berries in autumn.
| Hawthorn | Firethorn | |
|---|---|---|
| Leaves | Alternate, small (2–5 cm), deeply cut into 3–7 lobes. | Alternate, small (2–5 cm), glossy and finely toothed. |
| Flowering | Clusters of white, strongly scented flowers in May (May). | Clusters of white flowers in May–June (May–June). |
| Fruit | Red berries with a single stone (hence monogyna, ‘one-styled’). | Orange, red or yellow berries in dense clusters, lasting well into winter. |
| Bark | Grey-brown; twigs with sharp thorns 1–2.5 cm long. | Branches with sharp thorns. |
| Shape and height | Broadleaf tree, 4–10 m, often a hedge | Shrub, 2–4 m |
| Site | Sun or partial shade, any garden soil, normal | Sun or partial shade, any garden soil, normal |
| Native to Belgium | Yes | No, planted |
| Good for bees, butterflies and birds | Yes, for bees, butterflies and birds | Yes, for bees and birds |
| Poisonous to people and pets | Not known to be poisonous | Not known to be poisonous |
| Pruning months | June–September and November–March | May–August |
What does it mean for your garden?
- Hawthorn is native: it feeds more insects and birds than a non-native species. If in doubt, choose this one.
Read on
- Plant profile: Hawthorn
- Plant profile: Firethorn
- Hawthorn: when and how to prune
- Firethorn: when and how to prune
- Identification key: the question that separates them
Also looks like
- Hawthorn or Midland hawthorn
- Blackthorn or hawthorn
- Cotoneaster or firethorn
- Flowering quince or firethorn
- Midland hawthorn or firethorn
Identify by feature
This comparison is compiled from the Bladwijzer species pages.