Crataegus crusgalli
Cockspur Hawthorn
Rosaceae
ExpandHabitat
- native to Quebec down through North Carolina
- hardy to zone 4
Habit and Form
- a deciduous tree
- 20' to 30' tall with an equal spread
- rounded, spreading crown
- horizontal branches
- slow growth rate
- medium texture
Summer Foliage
- alternate leaf arrangement
- simple, deciduous leaves
- obovate leaf shape
- 1" to 4" long
- sharp, serrated margins
- shiny, dark green leaf color
Autumn Foliage
- bronze-red to red fall color
Flowers
- small, white flowers
- 0.6" in diameter
- blooms in May
- only lasts a week
- born in large corymbs, 2" to 3"
- odorous
Fruit
- small, red pome
- clustered together
- matures in September
- persist through late fall
Bark
- grayish brown bark
- slender
- thorns along stems around 0.5" to 3" long
Culture
- transplant in Spring
- prefers well-drained soil
- soil tolerant
- pH adaptable
- full sun is best
Landscape Use
- specimen tree
- screen border
Liabilities
- thorns can be hazardous
- tends to have many pest problems similar to apple trees
- fireblight, aphids, scales, powdery mildew
ID Features
- 1.5" to 3" long thorns along stems
- a medium-sized deciduous tree
- 20' to 30' tall and wide
- broad, rounded tree
- simple ovate leaves
- sessile, rounded, reddish brown buds
Propagation
- by seed
- by cuttings
Cultivars/Varieties
var. inermis (may be the same as 'Cruzam' (Crusader®)) - A form that is similar to the species, but virtually thornless. Features early white blooms, abundant red fruit and attractive silver bark. Appears to be relatively disease-resistant.