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Hawthorn
Crataegus
momgyna
Family: Rosaceae
Growth Habit: Hawthorn is an up-right, prickly shrub which can
grow to 6 metres in height (usually 2-4m). Often cultivated as a hedge
species.
Type of plant: Deciduous tall shrub or small tree
Flowers: White, cream or pink flowers, 8 to 10 mm in diameter.
Very showy sweet smelling clusters.
Fruit/Seeds: Red to deep red berries held in clusters, retained
on the bushes after the leaves have fallen. Each berry contains a single
oval brown seed.
Dispersal: Berries are eaten by stock and birds. The seed passes
through the gut of the animal and may be passed out far from the parent
bush. Seed can also contaminate soil on farm machinery and be moved from
one area to another. Suckers form when roots are disturbed.
Distribution: Hawthorn was in the past planted as a cheap form
of fencing. For this reason Hawthorn is found through out Tasmania adjacent
to and on old homesteads sites.
Weed Status: Hawthorn is a Declared Noxious Weed in Victoria and
South Australia. Hawthorn is not a declared weed in Tasmania.
Weed Impact:
- Seedlings rarely get established in pastures that are regularly grazed.
However, when land is fenced off along creek lines or for shelter belts,
or if stock are removed for periods of time, seedlings can reach a stage
where their height and prickly nature ensure that they are able to withstand
grazing pressure.
- Hawthorn can form dense, impenetrable thickets, dominating the understory
and preventing access.
- There is a small cottage industry in collecting and drying Hawthorn
flower, leaves and berries for distribution to the manufactures of medicinal
herbal remedies.
- The well loved Tasmanian Hawthorn hedges are considered to be part
of the cultural heritage that has made Tasmanian landscapes famous.
- While maintaining old hedges for heritage values, alternatives should
be looked for when replacing damaged or dying Hawthorns. Planting new
Hawthorn hedges or garden specimens, especially adjacent to bushland
areas or stream reserves should be discouraged.
- Because it is capable of dominating native vegetation and produces
large amounts of seed, Hawthorn does pose a threat to bushland, reserves
and conservation areas in Tasmania.
Substitutions: If people are looking for alternatives to Hawthorn
for hedges and wind breaks they can contact the following organisations
for advice.
Forestry Tasmania Nursery, Perth
The Understory Network, Phone/Fax 03 6334 6633
Society for Growing Australian Natives
Dept. of Primary Industries and Fisheries, Whole Farm Planning
For further information on Hawthorne, contact the Department of Primary
Industry, Water and Environment, Tasmania.
Hawthorn - Control Methods
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Control
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Time Applicable
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Notes
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Grubbing
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All year
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Carefully remove seedlings and small bushes using a mattock or
spade.
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Herbicide
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Summer, autumn
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Metsulfuron, triclopyr,
triclopyr + picloram and glyphosate can be applied when the plant
is actively growing, preferably after flowering. Basal bark and
cut stump treatments are also effective.
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N.B. Always
check the herbicide label before use.
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