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Crataegus crus-galli (Cockspur Hawthorn)

Cockspur Hawthorn, Cockspur Thorn, Newcastle Hawthorn, Newcastle Thorn, Hog Apple

Crataegus crus-galli, Cockspur Hawthorn, Cockspur Thorn, Red fruit, red berries, Winter fruits, White flowers,
Crataegus crus-galli, Cockspur Hawthorn, Cockspur Thorn, Red fruit, red berries, Winter fruits, White flowers,

Crataegus crus-galli (Cockspur Hawthorn) forms a dense, low-branched, broad-rounded, deciduous tree adorned with horizontal, wide-spreading branches armed with 1-3 in. long thorns (2-7 cm). They are clothed with lustrous, smooth-textured, tooth-edged, dark green leaves. In late spring, a profusion of unpleasantly scented, white flowers held in clusters (corymbs) provide a spectacular spring floral display for 7-10 days. The blossoms are followed by deep red fruits in fall that usually persist on the tree until winter. Edible, they can be harvested to make jelly or left for the hungry birds. The foliage turns attractive shades of bronze-red to purplish-red before shedding to the ground. Common and widespread, Cockspur Hawthorn has been planted for ornament and as a hedge since colonial times. Great in mass plantings, screens, groupings, or as a general barrier. Cockspur Hawthorn supports a variety of bees, attracts songbirds and is a host plant for over 25 species of moths.

Hawthorn trees are particularly enticing to several bird species, including the American Robin, Brown Thrasher, Cedar Waxwing, Gray Catbird, Northern Cardinal, and Northern Mockingbird. With their abundant berries and dense foliage, hawthorns provide essential food and shelter, making them a favored habitat for these avian visitors.

  • Grows up to 25-35 ft. tall and wide (7-11 m).
  • A full sun lover, this tree is easily grown in medium moisture, well-drained soils. Prefers moist, well-drained, slightly acid soils, and full sunlight. It is adaptable to poor soils, dry soils, various soil pHs, compacted soils, drought, heat and winter salt spray.
  • Perfect as a specimen tree for cottage gardens or city gardens as it is tolerant of urban pollution.
  • Requires only minimal pruning in late winter or early spring, to remove damaged, diseased or misplaced growth.
  • Keep an eye out for caterpillars, gall mites, aphids, leaf spots and fireblight.
  • Propagate by budding in mid-summer or grafting in winter
  • Native from Quebec to North Carolina and Kansas.

Hawthorn: How to Grow and Care with Success


Understanding how to grow and care for Hawthorn is crucial as these trees offer ecological benefits like attracting pollinators, providing wildlife habitats, and medicinal properties for humans. Proper knowledge ensures healthy growth, disease prevention, and the thriving of these striking additions to our landscapes.

Requirements

Hardiness 4 - 7
Heat Zones 1 - 7
Climate Zones 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 14, 15, 16, 17
Plant Type Trees
Plant Family Rosaceae
Genus Crataegus
Common names Hawthorn
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Late)
Fall
Winter
Height 25' - 35'
(7.6m - 10.7m)
Spread 25' - 35'
(7.6m - 10.7m)
Maintenance Average
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy, Fruit & Berries
Native Plants United States, Maine, New York, New Jersey, Maryland, Massachusetts, Vermont, Delaware, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Pennsylvania, Southwest, Northeast, Southeast, Midwest, Kansas, Ohio, Missouri, Minnesota, Michigan, Iowa, Wisconsin, Indiana, Illinois, Alabama, Kentucky, Georgia, Florida, Arkansas, Louisiana, West Virginia, Virginia, Tennessee, South Carolina, North Carolina, Mississippi, Texas, Oklahoma
Tolerance Drought, Dry Soil, Clay Soil
Attracts Bees, Birds, Butterflies
Garden Uses Hedges And Screens
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Prairie and Meadow, Informal and Cottage
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Alternative Plants to Consider

Crataegus coccinea (Scarlet Hawthorn)
Crataegus pinnatifida (Chinese Hawthorn)
Crataegus punctata (Dotted Hawthorn)
Crataegus marshallii (Parsley Hawthorn)
Crataegus mollis (Downy Hawthorn)
Crataegus douglasii (Black Hawthorn)

Find In One of Our Guides or Gardens

Small Trees and Shrubs That Attract Birds
Green Canopy, Better World: Exploring the Benefits of Trees
Trees that Invite Wildlife to Your Garden
35 Best Flowering Trees for a Spectacular Garden Display
Small Trees, Big Impact: Maximize Your Garden’s Potential
Spectacular Trees for Vibrant Fall Colors: A Gardener’s Guide
Pure White Flowers for a Touch of Elegance in Your Garden
35 Flowering Shrubs That Thrive in Full Sun
Crataegus (Hawthorn) – What Is Wrong With My Tree?
Crataegus (Hawthorn): Pests and Diseases to Watch Out For
Hawthorn: How to Grow and Care with Success
Crataegus (Hawthorn)
For the Love of Bees: Best Flowers to Attract them to Your Garden
May Birth Flower: What is my Birth Flower?
Native Plant Alternatives to Crataegus monogyna (Common Hawthorn)
While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
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Requirements

Hardiness 4 - 7
Heat Zones 1 - 7
Climate Zones 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 14, 15, 16, 17
Plant Type Trees
Plant Family Rosaceae
Genus Crataegus
Common names Hawthorn
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Late)
Fall
Winter
Height 25' - 35'
(7.6m - 10.7m)
Spread 25' - 35'
(7.6m - 10.7m)
Maintenance Average
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy, Fruit & Berries
Native Plants United States, Maine, New York, New Jersey, Maryland, Massachusetts, Vermont, Delaware, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Pennsylvania, Southwest, Northeast, Southeast, Midwest, Kansas, Ohio, Missouri, Minnesota, Michigan, Iowa, Wisconsin, Indiana, Illinois, Alabama, Kentucky, Georgia, Florida, Arkansas, Louisiana, West Virginia, Virginia, Tennessee, South Carolina, North Carolina, Mississippi, Texas, Oklahoma
Tolerance Drought, Dry Soil, Clay Soil
Attracts Bees, Birds, Butterflies
Garden Uses Hedges And Screens
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Prairie and Meadow, Informal and Cottage
How Many Plants
Do I Need?
Not sure which Crataegus (Hawthorn) to pick?
Compare Now

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