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Cockspur Hawthorn

Crataegus crus-galli

Cockspur hawthorn spreads in stiff horizontal tiers armed with long thorns, making an impenetrable wildlife hedge. White spring flowers give way to red haws that hold into winter for birds. The fruit is dry and rather marginal eating, but has been used in jellies.

Family

Rosaceae

Type

tree

Lifespan

perennial

Height

25–35 ft

Spacing

25–35 ft apart

Light

sun, part shade, shade

Soil moisture

dry, moist

Soil pH

acidic, neutral

Bloom

May, June

Bloom colors

white, pink

Wildlife value

songbirds, butterflies, larval host

Caterpillar hosts

~168 butterfly & moth species

Landscape uses

border, hedge or screen

Native states

AL, AR, CT, DC, DE, FL, GA, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, MI, MN, MO, MS, NC, NJ, NY, OH, OK, PA, RI, SC, TN, TX, VA, VT, WI, WV