Planting and Growing the Cockspur Hawthorn

The cockspur hawthorn is a member of the rose, or Rosaceae, family of plants. It is native to the United States and botanically listed as Crataegus crus-galli.

Cockspur Hawthorn Description

Growing 20 to 35 feet high and wide, this small deciduous tree has exfoliating bark and sweeping ground branches. Leaves are thick and glossy and have red or orange colors in the fall. Flowers are white and in clusters. Fruits are red small apples that stay throughout winter. Bloom season is between May and June.

Growing Guide

This perennial tree prefers any type of lighting conditions and a dry or moist acidic soil. Soil should also be well drained. Propagate by seed. Seed needs two to three hours of acidic scarification and then four months of warm stratification and then lastly four and a half months of cold stratification.

Distribution

This native is found in the states of Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Iowa, Indiana, Kentucky, Kansas, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Missouri, Mississippi, North Carolina, New York, New Jersey, Ohio, Oklahoma, Rhode Island, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, South Carolina, Rhode Island, Texas, Virginia, Vermont, Wisconsin, and West Virginia. It is seen in slopes, thickets, fence rows, and hillsides.

Butterflies Attracted

It is a larval host for the Soapberry Hairstreak, Banded Hairstreak, Gray Hairstreak, and the Striped Hairstreak butterflies.

Warning

This plant can injure with its thorns or prickles, some of the longest of any hawthorn species.

Problems

This plant is susceptible to rust, insect damage and fire blight. It also has very low dense branches that make it difficult for grass to grow underneath it.

Source: NPIN