Q: We had intended to plant local hawthorn for hedging our rural garden. However, a mate alerted us about a current widespread disease in Europe causing hawthorn trees and hedges to perish. Should we consider an alternative? Kate H, Co Wicklow
A: Your mate is spot on. Some hawthorn species (Crataegus monogyna, or whitethorn as often called) across certain areas in Europe are falling victim to an extremely harmful, transmittable, notifiable bacterial ailment known as fire blight (Erwinia amylovora). This disease also plagues other members of the extensive Rosaceae family including apple, pear, cotoneaster, photinia, medlar, quince and rowan. Sadly, no cure has been found, the only advised measure is to eradicate all infected plants and any potential host plants nearby.
Fire blight isn’t a recent disease, having reached Europe from North America in the 1950s. Until just a few years prior, strict and conscientious checks were implemented to restrict its spread across Europe. Regrettably, these biosecurity measures have loosened, leading to an increased likelihood of unsuspecting importation of infected plants into Ireland, subsequently spreading the disease.
There have been 17 confirmed instances of fire blight in Ireland in 2023, not excluding urban areas. This situation raises grave concerns for the vast stretches of native hawthorn bushes that are paramount to the Irish scenery, along with standalone “sceachs” or fairy trees that have thrived for many generations.
In an unfortunate twist of fate, the demand for hawthorn plants in Ireland, sparked by farming-related environmental strategies, has ironically put both rural Irish landscapes and gardens at a higher risk. The push for indigenous hawthorns has been amplified by their increasing shortage, leading to a relaxation of guidelines that once demanded the plants be sourced locally. This is highlighted by Hedgerows Ireland, a national independent body advocating for the safeguard of Irish hedgerows. The organisation’s website reveals that roughly €132.5 million has been disbursed through initiatives such as ACRES, REPS, AEOS, and GLAS for the purposes of hedge planting, primarily hawthorns.
Further compounding this issue is the potential threat of numerous diseases attacking our native hawthorn species. This seems unthinkable, yet the history of native species like ash and elm succumbing to diseases indicates that this is a legitimate concern. Consequently, our once highly endorsed, resilient, versatile, aesthetically pleasing, adaptable, and wildlife-friendly hawthorn, viewed as Ireland’s version of the Mediterranean olive tree, is met with hesitation when recommending its planting. Up until a few years ago, I would have unequivocally suggested it as a core feature of any Irish rural garden, while now, my recommendation comes tethered with reservations.