🌸 Hawthorn meaning & symbolism
The hawthorn is a birth flower for May and traditionally symbolises hope and supreme happiness. Hawthorn is a thorny shrub or small tree covered in white or pink blossom in late spring.
Hawthorn facts
- In Britain, hawthorn is also called "may" because it blossoms in May.
- Hawthorn hedges have been used to mark field boundaries for centuries.
- Its red berries, called haws, are food for birds in winter.
The other May birth flower is the lily of the valley. See the May birthstone and birth flowers.
Birth flowers by month
- Jan · Carnation
- Jan · Snowdrop
- Feb · Violet
- Feb · Primrose
- Mar · Daffodil
- Mar · Jonquil
- Apr · Daisy
- Apr · Sweet pea
- May · Lily of the valley
- May · Hawthorn
- Jun · Rose
- Jun · Honeysuckle
- Jul · Larkspur
- Jul · Water lily
- Aug · Gladiolus
- Aug · Poppy
- Sep · Aster
- Sep · Morning glory
- Oct · Marigold
- Oct · Cosmos
- Nov · Chrysanthemum
- Dec · Narcissus
- Dec · Holly
Frequently asked questions
What does the hawthorn symbolise?
The hawthorn traditionally symbolises hope and supreme happiness.
What month is the hawthorn the birth flower for?
The hawthorn is a birth flower for May. The other May birth flower is the lily of the valley.