Hawthorn
Latin name : Crataegus spp.
Hul'qumi'num name : Metth’unulhp
“The native tree is the Black Hawthorn and the settlers brought another variety, which does not have such fierce thorns, yet both are very useful as a tonic for the heart and circulatory system. Sometimes the flowers are used for making tinctures but generally it is the berries that ripen towards the end of the summer that are used as a tea and/or tincture to normalize heart function.”
— Dora
Hawthorn refers to a group of shrubs and small trees belonging to the genus Crataegus, with various species distributed across Europe, Asia, and North America. These plants are known for their distinctive lobed leaves, white or pink flowers, and small, red or black fruits called haws.
In traditional herbal medicine, hawthorn has been used for its cardiovascular benefits. The berries, leaves, and flowers contain compounds like flavonoids and oligomeric proanthocyanidins, which support heart health by improving circulation, regulating blood pressure, and strengthening the heart muscle. Hawthorn is often prepared as an herbal tea, tincture, or supplement for these purposes.
Culturally, hawthorn has held various symbolic meanings throughout history. It has been associated with love and fertility in some traditions and considered a protective tree in others. Additionally, hawthorn has been used in hedgerows and as ornamental trees in landscaping due to their attractive appearance and the folklore surrounding them
“Black Hawthorn or Metth’unulhp is a tall shrub or small tree. It has small blackish “apples”. Its thorns are 1-2 cm in length. Metth’unulhp generally grows in riparian and other wet areas but may be found on rocky slopes as well. The fruits are sometimes eaten in times of need. The taste is bland (tth’ewun) but not offensive. Metth’unulhp wood, if well-cured, can be very useful when you need hard and strong wood, and was valuable for trading.”
— Except from Hul’qumi’num Language Guide
