Washington Hawthorn near Votey. Eckstrom, Korin (2013)

As one of the many trees on the UVM campus, the Washington Hawthorn, Crataegus phaenopyrum, line the outside of Votey Hall. This species of Hawthorn is highly valued for its use as an ornamental, but the Hawthorns as a family have many other uses. They have a rich cultural history, from medicine to religious icons, and as such they are deeply tied to human culture and lifestyles. Their year round beauty and incredible medicinal properties have gained them a special place in our world.