Cockspur Thorn Crataegus crus-galli

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, or Cockspur Hawthorn, is a deciduous tree or shrub noted for being very dense and providing robust shade. 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.

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. These flowers also produce an unsavory aroma.This tree is also noted for producing large 4 inch thorns. Some cultivars such as 'Cruzam' (also known to a lesser extent as var. inermis, meaning "without thorns") do not produce these thorns. 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.

It serves as a host plant for the larvae of the Gray hairstreak (Strymon melinus), Viceroy (Limenitis archippus), and the Red-spotted purple (Limenitis arthemis astyanax) butterflies as well as the eggar moth.

Diseases, Insects, and Other Plant Problems:

Susceptible to cedar-hawthorn and cedar-quince rusts and fireblight, fungal leaf spots, powdery mildew, cankers, apple scab, leaf blight and twig blight. Potential insect pests include aphids, borers, caterpillars, lacebugs, leafminers and scale. Red spider mites may also occur. Thorns can pose a hazard for children.