Craetagus monogyna (Common Hawthorn)

“Crataegus monogyna are deciduous trees and shrubs, usually with spiny branches, lobed or toothed leaves, and clusters of creamy white flowers followed by red or black fruits. The berries are of particular high ecological value which provide nutrition for many small mammals and birds. The Crataegus monogyna which is native to Ireland, is a small, rounded deciduous tree with deeply lobed green leaves and thorny stems.
Flat sprays of fragrant cream flowers appear in late spring, followed by greenish berries or haws which ripen to red up to September and are held on the trees well into winter. The bark is a greyish dark brown which in older specimens becomes cracks into thin rectangular plates.”