Crossword Genius

Hawthorn, say, is not certain to blossom (9)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

mayflower

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'hawthorn' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both plants as well as being singular nouns.
Perhaps you can see an association between them that I can't see?

'is not certain to blossom' is the wordplay.
'is not certain to' becomes 'may'.
'blossom' becomes 'flower' (synonyms).
'may'+'flower'='MAYFLOWER'

'say' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for mayflower that I've seen before include "Pilgrim Fathers' ship to the US" , "emigrants' vessel?" , "Tree" , "Hawthorn blossom, carrying the ..." , "Hawthorne mentioned" .)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph.
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