A thorny shrub or tree (the
Cratægus oxyacantha), having deeply lobed, shining leaves, small, roselike, fragrant flowers, and a fruit called
haw. It is much used in Europe for hedges, and for standards in gardens. The American hawthorn is
Cratægus cordata, which has the leaves but little lobed. [
1913 Webster]
"Gives not the hawthorn bush a sweeter shade
To shepherds?"
[1913 Webster]