Hawthorn

Hawthorn, any of several hundred species of shrubs and small trees (genus Crataegus) of the rose family. In the spring they are covered with fine white or pink blossoms that later turn red or develop into dark blue fruits (haws) resembling tiny apples. In Europe the hawthorn was the subject of many legends. Sprigs of hawthorn were thought to protect people against thunder or witches.