May

The month of May, shares its name with a familiar tree in the UK, the Common Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna). The old phrase 'Ne'er cast a clout till May be out' is often thought to relate to the May tree rather than the month - although this is disputed by many. Whether it's the tree or the month, the May is 'out' right now.

Part of the Rose family, the Hawthorn has many common names other than May including Mayblossom, Maythorn, Quickthorn, Whitethorn, Motherdie, and Haw. In the sunshine, the thousands of flowers add their distinctive scent to the spring air.

The oldest known Hawthorn in Britain, grows in a small village just south of Norwich, called Hethel.  It is thought to be over 700 years old.