Hawthorn leaf bud

I nearly didn't blip today - inspiration is at an all time low with this wind and dark weather. If I disappear for a few days I will return with the sunshine!

This little bud, which I was very happy to discover in the hedge, belongs to the Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna) producing red berries - not to be confused with the Blackthorn which produces the sloe (Prunus spinosa).

Because of their thorns Hawthorns make a good impenetrable barrier and were planted to form hedges during the land enclosures in England between 1500-1800.

This shrub was also made famous by the legend that Joseph of Arimathea visited Glastonbury in Somerset and stuck his staff into the ground which subsequently sprouted and became known as the "Holy Thorn" which flowers at Christmas time. Recently vandals have destroyed this Holy Thorn tree but as this is a fast growing sturdy species there is the hope that it will grow again.