SafePlants

Cockspur Hawthorn (Crataegus crus-galli)

Considerations for Pets

• This plant is known for its prominent thorns, which can be quite long (up to 3 inches).
• The text mentions the presence of red fruits.

Considerations for Children

• This plant is known for its prominent thorns, which can be quite long (up to 3 inches).
• The text mentions the presence of red fruits.

Common Names

• Cockspur Hawthorn
• Cockspur Thorn
• Dwarf Hawthorn

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Crataegus crus-galli L.
• Family: Rosaceae (Rose family)
• Synonyms: Crataegus acutifolia Sarg.
• Varieties:
  • Crataegus crus-galli var. 'Inermis' (Thornless Cockspur Hawthorn)

Distribution and Habitat

• Native to eastern North America.
• Specifically mentioned as native from Quebec to North Carolina and Kansas.
• Also native to the Midwest and Chicago-area.
• Found in thickets.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• A small, wide-spreading, deciduous tree or large shrub, typically reaching 20-30 feet in height, sometimes up to 30 feet.
• Can be a dense, low-branched, broad-rounded tree.
• Has a short trunk with exfoliating bark.
• Horizontal, thorny branches (in the standard variety) which sweep the ground.
• Glossy dark-green oblong leaves with serrated edges that turn bronze-red or orange-red in the fall.
• Showy white inflorescences bloom in late May, but are noted to not have a strong sweet smell.
• Produces brick-red fruits.
• Some varieties are thornless (e.g., Crataegus crus-galli var. 'Inermis').

Ecological Role

• Provides fruit that persists into winter, useful for birds.
• Can be used as an effective barrier due to its thorny nature (for the standard variety).

Quirky Facts

• While a member of the rose family, its sprays of white flowers, which bloom in late May, do not smell as sweet.
• The white hawthorn blossom (Crataegus) is the Mississippi State Flower.

Further Information

• USDA NRCS National Plant Data Center
• Dave's Garden (website)