Cockspur Hawthorn

Crataegus crus-galli

krah-TEE-gus krus-GAL-ee
20 to 30 ft.
20 to 30 ft.
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very low

white

late spring to early summer

20 to 30 ft.

20 to 30 ft.

No

eastern United States

sun

USDA zones 4-7

hardy to 8,000 ft.

Cockspur hawthorn is a small tree that develops a rounded crown with a very horizontal branching structure. "Cockspur" refers to the 2 to 4 inch long, reddish-brown, slightly curved thorns that cover the tree.

In spring, it produces white flowers arranged in single, flat-topped clusters. Although beautiful to the eye, under the right weather conditions the flowers can have a slightly unpleasant odor. Its leaves are a shiny, dark green color in the summer, followed by red, yellow, and gold tones in fall. The fruit is yellow to start, turning red and persisting into fall.

Cockspur hawthorn provides four seasons of interest. It has attractive flowers, and the bark and thorns are also pleasing (especially in winter). Its fall color and fruit add further ornamental value as well.

very low

white

late spring to early summer

20 to 30 ft.

20 to 30 ft.

No

eastern United States

sun

USDA zones 4-7

hardy to 8,000 ft.

At the Xeriscape Demonstration Garden, this tree is planted in the very low water zone. It has proven to be a tough, resilient and beautiful tree. It should be planted away from high use areas since its thorns can be an issue.

Prune when young to achieve desired shape when mature.