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Description
Crataegus Crus-Galli, commonly known as Cockspur Hawthorn, is a deciduous shrub or small tree that belongs to the Rosaceae family. It is native to North America and can grow up to 20 feet tall with a spread of 20 feet. The tree has a broad, spreading crown with thorny branches and a rounded form. It produces clusters of white flowers in the spring followed by red fruit in the fall. The fruit is edible but not commonly used for culinary purposes due to its sour taste.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Rosales |
| Family | Rosaceae |
| Genus | Crataegus |
Appearance
The Cockspur Hawthorn has a dense, oval-shaped canopy that is about 20 to 30 feet wide. The leaves are dark green, glossy, and have a serrated edge. The flowers are small, white, and grow in clusters of 4-6. The fruit is a small, bright red pome that is about 1/2 inch in diameter. The tree has a thorny trunk and branches, which can grow up to 3 inches long.
Care Guide
- Water: The Cockspur Hawthorn tree needs regular watering, especially during the first year of planting.
- Fertilization: Fertilize the tree in the spring with a slow-release fertilizer.
- Soil: The tree grows well in loamy, well-draining soils with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5.
- Sunlight: The tree prefers full sun exposure but can tolerate partial shade.
- Hardiness Zones: The tree is hardy in USDA zones 4-8.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Cockspur Hawthorn tree is susceptible to several pests and diseases, including:
- Fire blight: A bacterial disease that can cause the leaves and branches to wilt and turn black.
- Cedar-apple rust: A fungal disease that can cause yellow spots on the leaves and fruit.
- Aphids: Small insects that can suck the sap from the leaves and cause them to curl and yellow.
- Tent caterpillars: Caterpillars that can create silk tents in the branches and defoliate the tree.
Habitat
The Cockspur Hawthorn tree is native to the United States and can be found in a variety of habitats, including woodlands, fields, and along roadsides. It prefers moist soils and can tolerate some flooding.
Question and Answer
Q: Is the Cockspur Hawthorn tree drought-tolerant?
A: No, the tree requires regular watering and may not survive extended periods of drought.Q: Can the fruit of the Cockspur Hawthorn tree be eaten?
A: Yes, the fruit is edible but is not commonly used for culinary purposes due to its sour taste.Q: How often should the Cockspur Hawthorn tree be fertilized?
A: The tree should be fertilized once a year in the spring with a slow-release fertilizer.Q: Does the Cockspur Hawthorn tree require pruning?
A: The tree can benefit from occasional pruning to maintain its shape and remove any dead or diseased branches.
Related Plants
- Crataegus laevigata (English Hawthorn)
- Crataegus monogyna (Single-seed Hawthorn)
- Crataegus phaenopyrum (Washington Hawthorn)
- Crataegus viridis (Green Hawthorn)
References
- “Crataegus Crus-Galli.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=m640.
- “Cockspur Hawthorn.” Arbor Day Foundation, www.arborday.org/trees/treeguide/TreeDetail.cfm?ItemID=813.
- “Crataegus Crus-Galli.” Plant Finder, www.monrovia.com/plant-catalog/plants/1200/cockspur-hawthorn.php.
