Gardening Superstitions: Good Luck Superstitions About Hawthorn and Linden Trees

When's the best time to plant trees? Perchance, after midsummer's full moon, whilst spitting into ye olde wind ... or not! Most gardeners don't believe in gardening superstitions because they understand that scientific evidence supports planting in the fall. They realize cool weather allows root system development before summer's return. Still, for those considering growing them, it's fun to chuckle over good luck superstitions about the hawthorn and linden trees.

Facts about the hawthorn. "Hawthorns in the Landscape" states, "The hawthorn is a small, flowering tree that represents an alternative choice to flowering crabapple ...The hawthorns or Crataegus are valued for their picturesque shapes, dense and thorny habit of growth, glossy foliage, clusters of small white or pink flowers in spring, and persistent orange or red fruit in autumn." Their hardiness zone is dependent on species, but many grow in zone 4. Check before purchasing.

Superstitions about the hawthorns. A number of dark superstitions exist, but we'll concentrate on the lucky ones. Legend states Thor created the tree from a bolt of lightening. Hence, the hawthorn receives credit for protecting people in electrical storms. However, I wouldn't suggest testing those superstitions by standing in the rain, holding a hawthorn branch aloft. Moving on to sunnier days, the Dictionary of Superstitions states that hawthorn boughs offered to newly married couples granted protection. They, in turn, might adorn their babies' cradles with branches. A room decorated with blossoming boughs supposedly protected the entire household. Perhaps - and this is purely speculation - they didn't have harmful visitors because some species' flowers have an unpleasant odor. In addition, the superstitions state that hawthorn thorns stopped witches from entering - they became tangled in them. A growing tree, however, encouraged the fairies to visit.

Facts about the linden. TreeHelp.com says, "Linden trees, sometimes called basswood or lime tree, are an excellent choice for the urban landscape. They are especially hardy, tolerant of alkaline soils, visited by few destructive insects and exhibit a natural, pyramidal shape that requires little pruning ... These trees have attractive, golden yellow fall color." Depending on the species, lindens generally grow in zones 3-7, but check before purchasing.

Superstitions about lindens. In German folklore, the lindens brought fertility, prosperity, and protection from evil. Home Remedy Central states the flowers have special curative powers. "Linden flowers are used as a home remedy for colds ... epilepsy, indigestion, and sore throats." On the other hand, consuming too much linden flower tea may cause heart damage, so it's wise not to take those curative superstitions too seriously.

In conclusion, whether one believes them or not, the good luck superstitions about hawthorn and linden trees make for interesting conversation. And better yet, their foliage makes a lovely addition to the yard.

Sources
"Hawthorne Tree." Garden Guides.
"Linden, Littleleaf." Arbor Day Foundation.

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