Crataegus, also known as quickthorn, thornapple, May-tree, whitethorn, hawberry, and commonly called hawthorn, is a genus of several hundred species of shrubs and trees in the family Rosaceae. The plant is native to Europe, Asia, North Africa, and North America. Hawthorn was an extremely valuable herb in the middle ages and was a symbol of hope, used for many ailments. It is considered food for the heart as it stimulates blood flow to the heart muscles and can treat circulatory disorders.