Cockspur Hawthorn
crataegus crus-galli
Also known as: ["Cockspur Thorn","Cockspur Thorn Hawthorn"]
Overview
A deciduous tree known for its thorny branches and clusters of white flowers followed by red fruits.
Benefits & Perks
["wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","seasonal color change"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Rosales |
| Family: | Rosaceae |
| Genus: | Crataegus |
| Botanical Name: | Crataegus crus-galli |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Trees
- Suitable Location: outdoor garden, adaptable to various soil types
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"–25–40°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"4–8"}
- Misting: rarely required
- Drainage: Moderate to fast-draining; avoid waterlogged conditions.
- Soil Type: Well-draining loamy soil with organic matter; tolerates poor soils but thrives with amendments.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: Annually in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of old growth if needed for rejuvenation.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun (6–8 hours/day); tolerates partial shade but may produce fewer flowers/fruits.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate new plants to full sun gradually; protect from intense midday sun in summer; ensure outdoor placement in open areas for best growth.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Rotate plant for even light; use shade cloth in extreme heat; avoid sudden light changes.
Watering
every 7–10 days during growing season, less in winter
Water thoroughly until runoff, ensure soil dries slightly between waterings, and avoid frequent shallow watering.
Soil
well-drained loamy soil with moderate fertility
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Test soil pH annually; amend with organic matter; ensure good drainage to prevent root rot.
Temperature
Hardy in USDA zones 4–8; tolerates temperatures from -25°F to 90°F; prefers cool winters and warm summers.
Protect from late frosts; ensure good air circulation in heat; adjust watering with temperature.
Fertilizing
annually in early spring with balanced slow-release fertilizer
Fertilize only in spring; avoid over-fertilizing; use organic options like compost for slow release.
Propagation
Methods
Softwood cuttings in summer or seed stratification in winter.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take 4–6 inch cuttings.
- Remove lower leaves.
- Dip in hormone.
- Plant in medium.
- Maintain humidity.
Best Time: Late spring to early summer for cuttings; late fall to early winter for seeds.
Environment
High humidity (70–90%), warm temperatures (70–75°F), indirect light for cuttings.
Medium
Perlite and peat mix for cuttings; sterile seed starting mix for seeds.
Hormone
Rooting hormone recommended for cuttings to improve success rate.
Timeline
Cuttings root in 4–8 weeks; seeds germinate in 1–3 months after stratification.
Tools Needed
Pruners, rooting hormone, plastic bags, misting bottle, heat mat.
Quick Tips
Use healthy parent stock; maintain consistent moisture; avoid direct sun during rooting.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Thinning cuts to open canopy; heading cuts to control size; remove crossing branches.
Pruning Plan
Shape plant, remove dead/diseased wood, and encourage air circulation to reduce disease risk.
Tools
Hand pruners, loppers, pruning saw, sterilizing solution.
Checklist
Sterilize tools; prune before bud break; remove dead/diseased wood first; make clean cuts.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before active growth starts.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 2–3 inches in diameter if repotting is necessary.
Method
Use well-draining soil; tease out compacted roots; ensure pot has drainage holes.
Suggestions
Not typically needed unless grown in containers; field-grown plants are best left undisturbed.
Checklist
Check root bound status; prepare new pot; prune roots if needed; water thoroughly after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture with finger; water deeply; ensure drainage; adjust for season.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water directly at the root zone, apply until water drains from the bottom, ensure even saturation, and water in the morning to reduce evaporation.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once per week during growing season; reduce frequency in winter to every 2–3 weeks, allowing soil to dry partially between waterings.
Soil Improvement
Add compost or aged manure; incorporate perlite or sand for drainage; use mulch to retain moisture.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Leaf scorch in excessive heat; dieback or delayed bud break in cold stress; reduced flowering in suboptimal conditions.
Cold Stress
Leaves may drop or turn yellow; twigs may die back; overall growth slows or halts in prolonged cold.
Solution: Mulch heavily around base; protect from harsh winds; avoid overwatering in winter to prevent root rot.
Hot Stress
Wilting despite moist soil; leaf scorch or yellowing; reduced fruit set.
Solution: Provide afternoon shade; increase watering frequency; use reflective mulch to reduce soil temperature.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Check soil fertility; apply sparingly; water after fertilizing; monitor for signs of burn.
Fertilizing Method
Use balanced slow-release fertilizer in early spring; avoid high-nitrogen formulas; discontinue in late summer to prepare for dormancy.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Slightly ToxicCats are sensitive to cyanogenic glycosides found in the seeds of Crataegus crus-galli, which can lead to mild gastrointestinal irritation and discomfort upon ingestion.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Slightly ToxicDogs may experience mild gastrointestinal upset if they ingest the seeds due to the presence of cyanogenic glycosides, which can cause mild toxicity symptoms.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Slightly ToxicThe seeds of Crataegus crus-galli contain cyanogenic glycosides, which can release cyanide upon digestion, leading to mild gastrointestinal distress and potential systemic effects if consumed in large quantities.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Crataegus crus-galli suitable for small gardens?
A: It can be suitable for larger small gardens, but its mature size should be considered.
Q: Does this plant require full sun?
A: Yes, it thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Q: Are the fruits edible?
A: The fruits are technically edible but are generally not palatable and are mainly used for wildlife.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Rosaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during growi |
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