Crataegus monogyna, Common Hawthorn

Common Hawthorn is a small deciduous tree or a hedgerow shrub. It can grow on a single stout bole or multi-stemmed crown. It grows in big open spaces where it can receive plenty of sunlight.

This tree I found again in Oxford University Park, on the boundary of big football playing ground. It is alone on this side of the path so it receives a lot of sunlight without competition. Soil underneath is moist and looks well-drained. 

Branches are usually densely packed with numerous of sharp spines. 

  The bark is brown often very fissured into fairly regular vertical grooved patterns. Younger trees bear sharp thorns on their bark.

The fruits are usually rounded, bright red and contain hard seeds.

They are used for preparing tea and in herbal medicine.