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Crataegus crus-galli (Cockspur hawthorn)
Wasowski, Sally and Andy

Crataegus crus-galli L.

Cockspur hawthorn, Cockspur thorn, Newcastle hawthorn, Newcastle thorn

Rosaceae (Rose Family)

USDA Symbol: CRCR2

USDA Native Status: Native to U.S.

Cock-spur hawthorn is a small, globular, deciduous tree with a short trunk; exfoliating bark; horizontal, thorny branches which sweep the ground; and thick, glossy foliage which turns bright orange or red in fall. Profuse clusters of white flowers are followed by small, red apples, persistent until January. Small, spiny, thicket-forming tree with short, stout trunk and broad, dense crown of spreading and horizontal branches; hairless throughout. The tree grows 20-35 ft. tall with an equal spread.

The common and Latin species names both describe the numerous and extremely long spines, which are used locally as pins. The long spines and shiny dark green spoon-shaped leaves make this one of the most easily recognized hawthorns. Common and widespread, it has been planted for ornament and as a hedge since colonial times.

 

From the Image Gallery

Plant Characteristics

Duration: Perennial
Habit: Tree
Leaf: Green
Autumn Foliage: yes
Flower:
Fruit: Red
Size Class: 12-36 ft.

Bloom Information

Bloom Color: White , Pink
Bloom Time: May , Jun

Distribution

USA: AL , AR , CT , DC , DE , FL , GA , IA , IL , IN , KS , KY , LA , MA , MD , ME , MI , MN , MO , MS , NC , NJ , NY , OH , OK , PA , RI , SC , TN , TX , VA , VT , WI , WV
Canada: ON , QC , SK
Native Distribution: VT & adjacent Canada to SC, w. to s. WI, e. KS & e. TX
Native Habitat: Fence rows, Hillsides, Slopes, Thickets
USDA Native Status: L48(N), CAN(N)

Growing Conditions

Water Use: Low
Light Requirement: Sun , Part Shade , Shade
Soil Moisture: Dry , Moist
Soil pH: Acidic (pH<6.8)
CaCO3 Tolerance: High
Soil Description: Variable, preferring moist, well-drained soils. Sandy, Sandy Loam, Medium Loam, Clay Loam, Clay.
Conditions Comments: The low, densely set branches make it difficult to grow grasses under this tree. The tree is susceptible to fire blight, several species of rust, and insect damage, but is tolerant of city pollution. Prune in winter or early spring. This tree produces some of the longest thorns of any hawthorn, but a thornless variety, var. inermis, is available.

Benefit

Use Ornamental: Blooms ornamental, Attractive
Use Wildlife: Cover,Nesting material, Fruit-birds, Fruit-mammals.
Warning: Plant has thorns or prickles.
Conspicuous Flowers: yes
Fragrant Flowers: yes
Attracts: Birds , Butterflies
Larval Host: Striped hairstreak, Banded hairstreak, Soapberry hairstreak, Kings hairstreak, Gray hairstreak.

Value to Beneficial Insects

Special Value to Native Bees
Supports Conservation Biological Control

This information was provided by the Pollinator Program at The Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation.

Butterflies and Moths of North America (BAMONA)

Crataegus crus-galli is a larval host and/or nectar source for:
Soapberry Hairstreak
(Phaeostrymon alcestis)

Larval Host
Learn more at BAMONA 		Banded Hairstreak
(Satyrium calanus)

Larval Host
Learn more at BAMONA 		Striped Hairstreak
(Satyrium liparops)

Larval Host
Learn more at BAMONA 		Gray Hairstreak
(Strymon melinus)

Larval Host
Learn more at BAMONA

Propagation

Seed Collection: Not Available
Seed Treatment: Dry seed should be immersed in acid for 2-3 hours then warm stratified at 70-77 degrees for 120 days followed by 135 days at 41 degrees.
Commercially Avail: yes

From the National Suppliers Directory

According to the inventory provided by Associate Suppliers, this plant is available at the following locations:

American Native Nursery - Quakertown, PA

Bibliography

Bibref 946 - Gardening with Prairie Plants: How to Create Beautiful Native Landscapes (2002) Wasowski, Sally
Bibref 841 - Native Alternatives to Invasive Plants (2006) Burrell, C. C.
Bibref 291 - Texas Wildscapes: Gardening for Wildlife (1999) Damude, N. & K.C. Bender
Bibref 297 - Trees of Central Texas (1984) Vines, Robert A.

Search More Titles in Bibliography

Recommended Species Lists

Find native plant species by state. Each list contains commercially available species suitable for gardens and planned landscapes. Once you have selected a collection, you can browse the collection or search within it using the combination search.

View Recommended Species page

Additional resources

USDA: Find Crataegus crus-galli in USDA Plants
FNA: Find Crataegus crus-galli in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Crataegus crus-galli

Metadata

Record Modified: 2012-10-20
Research By: TWC Staff

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