Most of us know Hawthorn for its beautiful white blossoms and those bright red berries, but did you know the dark green leaves are a total powerhouse too? They’re actually one of the best parts of the plant for brewing a heart-healthy tea right at home.
What Do Hawthorn Leaves Look Like?
If you’re out foraging or just checking out the shrubs in your backyard, you’ll notice that Hawthorn leaves usually have a distinct “lobed” or notched look. They have serrated edges (kind of like a tiny saw) and a beautiful, glossy dark green finish.
One easy way to identify them is by their “alternate” leaf arrangement. This just means the leaves grow in a staggered pattern along the branch, rather than sitting directly across from each other (which we call “opposite”).
If you want to get really nerdy about it, there are two main native species: the Common Hawthorn (Single-seeded) and the Midland Hawthorn (Two-seeded). You can check out my full guide on Hawthorn species here.
The Common Hawthorn has leaves about three inches long, deeply divided into five to seven lobes that are toothy at the tips. The Midland Hawthorn, on the other hand, has leaves that aren’t as deeply cut, and the lobes tend to be a bit more rounded and firm.
On younger shoots, the leaves look a little different—they’re a lighter green, more oval-shaped, and the undersides are noticeably paler than the tops.
How to Use Hawthorn Leaves
Brewing a tea from Hawthorn leaves and flowers is a classic natural remedy for supporting heart health and circulation. It’s often used as a gentle supplement for cardiovascular wellness, though you should definitely chat with your doctor before adding it to your routine!
The best time to harvest the leaves is right when the plant is flowering, as that’s when the active compounds are at their peak. You can read more about Hawthorn flowers right here.
When making your tea blend, the leaves should actually do most of the heavy lifting since they contain the highest concentration of those heart-healthy properties. You can mix in the flowers and even the ripe berries for a full-spectrum brew.
If you want to keep a stash for the winter, you can dry all three parts. The trick is to dry them quickly to lock in all those good nutrients. Just spread the leaves, flowers, and berries out on a clean cloth in a shady spot with plenty of fresh air. Once they’re crisp, store them in an airtight, dark container. They’ll stay fresh for about a year!
Want to spice up your Hawthorn tea? Try blending it with these for extra flavor and benefits:
- Motherwort
- Lemon Verbena
- Cornflower petals
- Fresh or dried ginger
