Does The Glastonbury Thorn Only Grow In Somerset?

Somerset is a rural county in the South West of England. Glastonbury Thorn or Holy Thorn is a hybrid hawthorn tree that only grows in the region surrounding Glastonbury. Though there are other varieties found in other parts of Southern Europe, this particular variety which blossoms twice a year in spring and at Christmas is unique.

Shrouded in myth and legend, a part of custom and Christmas tradition the Glastonbury Abbey is also central to these tales.

Its origins are attributed to Joseph of Arimathea who came to England in the earlier years after Christ to preach Christianity. It is believed that he buried one end of his staff in the ground to rest and when he awoke, voila what does he see, but a blossoming tree. Myth has it that this same Joseph had also visited England with Jesus when the latter was a child. Other tales tell of a man who was blinded trying to uproot the tree. The original tree is now no more, but various cuttings were planted all over the area and one such is supposed to be located in the grounds of Glastonbury abbey. A cutting of the blossoms is sent every year during Christmas to the Queen, and this is now practiced tradition.