Description
Bright and storied, Hawthorn grows across Europe, eastern Asia, and eastern North America, often found in hedgerows and along woodland edges. A member of the Rose family, it appears as a compact shrub or small tree with pale bark and protective thorns. In spring, white blossoms give way to small red fruits known as haws ~ petite, apple-like berries that linger into autumn. In Britain, its branches were gathered for May celebrations and the tree was called May Flower, while in France it has been known as l’épine noble, or noble thorn, woven into local lore.
Steeped as tea, the berries create a ruby infusion with a mild, gently tangy taste and a soft, rounded mouthfeel.
