Thorny and branchy, Hawthorn makes its home in hedgerows and woodland edges across much of Europe, parts of eastern Asia, and eastern North America. In late spring, dark green, lobed leaves share the branches with clusters of small white blossoms. By autumn, the tree often carries bright red berries, called haws, that stand out against the fading leaves.
In Britain, Hawthorn has long been part of May Day traditions and is sometimes called Mayflower. In France it has been known as l’épine noble, or the noble thorn, linked to old folk stories. In the cup, the taste is gently sweet at first, then turns slightly bitter, with a clean finish and a light, smooth feel.
