Common Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna) is in the rose family family (Rosaceae). Across the U.S., iNaturalist users have logged 1,050 research-grade flowering observations of it in our sample, peaking in May.
Nationally it blooms mainly from April to May, but timing varies a lot by state and elevation — see the table below.
When to photograph Common Hawthorn: observations by month (U.S.)
About Common Hawthorn
Crataegus monogyna, known as common hawthorn or single-seeded hawthorn, is a species of hawthorn native to Europe, northwest Africa and western Asia. It has been introduced in many other parts of the world. It can be an invasive weed.From Wikipedia via iNaturalist — article, CC BY-SA.
Common Hawthorn by state
| State | Observations | Peak month | Main season |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oregon | 544 | May | Apr–May |
| Washington | 378 | May | May–May |
| California | 83 | April | Apr–Apr |
| Utah | 13 | May | Apr–May |
| New York | 10 | May | May–May |
| Massachusetts | 5 | May | May–May |
Main season = months with at least 30% of the state's peak-month count.
Related wildflowers (rose family)
Multiflora Rose
Virginia strawberry
Southern Dewberry
Trailing Blackberry
Purple-Flowered Raspberry
Thimbleberry
Salmonberry
Mock Strawberry
Photography tips
- Photograph flowers on calm, overcast mornings to avoid wind blur and harsh shadows.
- Get low: a shallow depth of field (f/2.8–f/5.6) isolates a bloom against soft color.
- Stay on trails — trampling meadows kills plants and ruins next year's display.
- Try a kaleidoscope abstract of a single bloom with our online kaleidoscope tool.
FAQ
When is the best time to photograph Common Hawthorn?
Nationally, May has the most observations, with the main season from April to May.
Where is Common Hawthorn most often seen?
The most observations come from Oregon, Washington, California.