Cockspur Thorn Crataegus crus-galli var. inermis

Crataegus, or Hawthorn, is a genus containing many species and varieties that grows in low swamps and river bottoms as well as high mountain ridges throughout North Carolina. Crataegus crusgallii var inermis, or Thornless Cockspur Hawthorn, is a variety of C. crusgalli, a deciduous tree or shrub noted for being very dense and providing robust shade, but unlike C. crusfalli which has 4 inch thorns, the 'inermis' variety is thornless.

It is native to North Carolina as well as other places in North America. The tree grows to a medium-large size of around 20 to 30 feet in height with a 9 inch trunk and produces both flowers and small red berry fruits. Both of these can provide a nice color accent to a garden. It grows well in average, medium moisture, well-drained soils in full sun, but will tolerate a wide range of soils with good drainage, light shade, and some drought. Thornless cockspur hawthorn is a flowering tree or large shrub with wide-spreading low branches. It is adaptable to many environments but prefers full sun with moist, well-drained loam.  It is tolerant of drought and urban conditions and makes a great specimen tree in a lawn or woodland garden or in a small group planting. The tree produces white flowers in May which form red berries which are not well liked by birds. In the fall the leaves turn a brilliant red for a great color accent. The plant is very accepting of trimming and can be cut back to old wood and will resprout freely. It is often used as a hedge.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: 

Insect problems include aphids, borers, caterpillars, lacebugs, leaf miners, red spider mites, and scale.  Hawthorns suffer from many diseases including rusts, fireblight, fungal leaf spots, powdery mildew, cankers, apple scab, and blights. 

More information on Crataegus crus-galli.