Trees to Consider: Cockspur Hawthorne

 

Cockspur Hawthorn is a small tree with glossy leaves and a beautiful display of creamy white flowers in spring. Though long thorns are characteristic of the genus, the cultivar “inermis” is thorn-free.

 

Latin Name:  Crataegus crus-galli inermis

 

Common Name(s):  Cockspur Hawthorn, Cockspur Thorn

Tree Type:  This small, ornamental tree has a short trunk with long branches that can sweep the ground.

 

Sun and Water Requirements:  Hawthorns are not fussy about soil type. They like full sun and well-drained soil. Cockspur Hawthorns are less susceptible to fungus (rust) than most other hawthorns.

 

Expected Growth:  Trees typically reach 20’ – 30’ and can spread almost as wide.

 

Foliage:  Small, glossy leaves turn red, orange and purple in autumn.

 

Flower and Fruit:  Flat clusters of creamy flowers in late spring make this hawthorn a beautiful specimen. In fall, it is covered in red berries which often last into winter. The berries are food for migrating birds and other animals in winter.

 

Landscape Value:  This native tree is one of the beautiful showpieces of late spring. The flowers have a mildly unpleasant scent, so you may want to plant it away from the house.

 

Trivia:  Cockspur Hawthorns have been popular since Colonial times. Their long thorns were used as sewing needles.

 

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