Crataegus crus-galli L.

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cockspur thorn

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Synonyms

Crataegus canbyi

Trees
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A hardy, spreading, deciduous, flat-topped tree to about 8m tall, with very decorative thorny stems and glossy, dark green serrated leaves which turn bright scarlet-red in the autumn. White flowers in spring are followed by clusters of dark red fruit in the autumn. Great as a specimen tree

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

4-8 metres

Max Spread

2.5-4 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
10–20 years
Max Spread
2.5-4 metres
Max Height
4-8 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Clay Loam Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained or Well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or North–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness

Hardiness Ratings

All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets

  • H1A: under glass all year (>15C)
  • H1B: can be grown outside in the summer (10 - 15)
  • H1C: can be grown outside in the summer (5 - 10)
  • H2: tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen (1 to 5)
  • H3: hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK (-5 to 1)
  • H4: hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5)
  • H5: hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10)
  • H6: hardy in all of UK and northern Europe (-20 to -15)
  • H7: hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20)
H7

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Rosaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Bushy, Spreading branched
Potentially harmful
Seeds contain toxins so these should be removed if you are considering eating the fruitusually grown as an ornamental shrub Pets: Fruit are ornamental - not to be eaten - see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants for further information and useful contact numbers
Genus
Crataegus are deciduous trees and shrubs, usually with spiny branches, lobed or toothed leaves, and clusters of creamy-white flowers followed by red or black fruits. Some have fine autumn colour
Name Status
Correct
Plant Range
Eastern N America

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grows well in most soils, in sun or partial shade. Dislikes waterlogging

Propagation

Propagate by grafting in winter or propagate by seed. In autumn, remove flesh as soon as ripe and sow in a seedbed or in containers in a cold frame. In spring, stratify and sow in a seed bed. Make take 18 months to germinate

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Architectural
  • Coastal
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Wildlife gardens

Pruning

Minimal pruning required, see pruning group 1

Pests

May be susceptible to caterpillars, aphids and hawthorn button top midge

Diseases

May be susceptible to fireblight, honey fungus, crown gall, silver leaf, powdery mildews and leaf spots