treeN. America Native

Cockspur Hawthorn

Crataegus crusgalli

Not currently listed at our partner nurseries.

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Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Tree

Height

360 inches

Width

360 inches

Light

Full Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7

Water

Medium

Humidity

Adaptable

Lifespan

50-100 years

Native To

Eastern North America

Toxicity

Fruit is edible but seeds are toxic

The Story

Plant Bio

Crataegus is a large genus of thorny shrubs and small trees in the rose family, commonly known as hawthorns. They are valued for their spring flowers, fall fruit, and wildlife-attracting qualities. Cockspur Hawthorn is distinguished by its wide, flat-topped crown, distinctive horizontal branching, and formidable, long, sharp thorns. It is an extremely tough and adaptable native tree with excellent fall color.

Bloom Period:

EarlyLate

Uses & Benefits:

Cockspur Hawthorn is a handsome tree with a rugged, picturesque form. It offers clusters of white spring flowers, glossy summer foliage, brilliant orange and scarlet fall color, and persistent red fruit (haws) that provide winter interest.

Its dense branching and formidable thorns make it an unparalleled choice for creating a security barrier or an impenetrable hedge that can contain livestock or deter intruders. It is extremely tolerant of urban pollution, poor soil, and drought.

This native tree is an ecological powerhouse. The dense, thorny branches provide ideal protected nesting sites for songbirds. The flowers support pollinators, and the fruit is a vital winter food source for birds like cedar waxwings and mammals.

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Where to Buy

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Planting

How to Grow

Select a location in full sun.
This tree is highly adaptable to almost any soil type.
Dig a hole as deep as the root ball and twice as wide.
Place the tree in the hole and backfill with native soil.
Water thoroughly to settle the soil around the roots.
Stake only if necessary in a very windy location.

Pro Tip

Site this tree carefully, far away from paths and play areas, to take advantage of its beauty without risking injury from its long thorns.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Wear thick leather gloves and eye protection when pruning.
Provide ample space for its wide-spreading canopy to develop.
Appreciate its high value for wildlife.
Monitor for signs of cedar-hawthorn rust.

Don't

Don't plant near walkways, patios, or children's play areas.
Avoid planting near Eastern Red Cedars (Juniperus virginiana) to prevent rust disease.
Do not leave pruned, thorny branches on the ground.
Don't expect fragrant flowers; they have an unpleasant scent.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Plant
Prune
Spray

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Impenetrable barrier hedge or screenTough tree for difficult urban sitesNaturalistic plantings and wildlife gardens

Companion Plants

Panicum virgatum Schizachyrium scoparium Amelanchier canadensis Rhus aromatica 'Gro-Low' Echinacea purpurea

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Cockspur Hawthorn questions

What zones can Cockspur Hawthorn grow in?

Cockspur Hawthorn is hardy in USDA Zones 4–7. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Cockspur Hawthorn deer resistant?

Yes — Cockspur Hawthorn is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Cockspur Hawthorn bloom?

Cockspur Hawthorn typically blooms in late spring through late spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Cockspur Hawthorn need full sun?

Cockspur Hawthorn does best in full sun (6+ hours).

Is Cockspur Hawthorn drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Cockspur Hawthorn handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.