- Botanical name: Crataegus crus-galli
- Common name: Cockspur thorn
- Family: Rosaceae
- Plant Type: Shrub, Deciduous
- Key features:
- Autumn colour
- Fruits
The cockspur thorn, Crataegus crus-galli, is an unusual, deciduous hawthorn native to Canada and North America. It bears masses of creamy-white flowers in early summer, followed by large clusters of deep-red fruit in autumn.  The leaves are rounded and dark, glossy green in spring and summer before developing red-orange autumnal tints before falling.
Grow Crataegus crus-galli in moist but well-drained soil in full sun to partial shade. It makes a good screen and is suitable for growing in small gardens.Â
How to grow Crataegus crus-galli
-
Plant size
6m height
6m spread
-
Aspect
East facing, south facing, west facing
-
Position in border
Middle, back
- Sun exposure: Full sun, dappled shade, partial shade
- Soil type: Well drained / light / sandy / clay / heavy / moist / chalky / alkaline / acidic
Plant calendar
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plant | ||||||||||||
| Plant |
J
Do Plant in January |
F
Do not Plant in February |
M
Do Plant in March |
A
Do not Plant in April |
M
Do not Plant in May |
J
Do not Plant in June |
J
Do not Plant in July |
A
Do not Plant in August |
S
Do not Plant in September |
O
Do not Plant in October |
N
Do Plant in November |
D
Do Plant in December |
| Flowers | ||||||||||||
| Flowers |
J
Plant does not flower in January |
F
Plant does not flower in February |
M
Plant does not flower in March |
A
Plant does not flower in April |
M
Plant does not flower in May |
J
Plant does flower in June |
J
Plant does not flower in July |
A
Plant does not flower in August |
S
Plant does not flower in September |
O
Plant does not flower in October |
N
Plant does not flower in November |
D
Plant does not flower in December |
| Fruits | ||||||||||||
| Fruits |
J
Plant does not fruit in January |
F
Plant does not fruit in February |
M
Plant does not fruit in March |
A
Plant does not fruit in April |
M
Plant does not fruit in May |
J
Plant does not fruit in June |
J
Plant does not fruit in July |
A
Plant does not fruit in August |
S
Plant does fruit in September |
O
Plant does fruit in October |
N
Plant does not fruit in November |
D
Plant does not fruit in December |
Crataegus crus-galli and wildlife
Crataegus crus-galli has no particular known value to wildlife in the UK.
Is Crataegus crus-galli poisonous?
Crataegus crus-galli has no toxic effects reported.
No reported toxicity to Birds
No reported toxicity to Cats
No reported toxicity to Dogs
No reported toxicity to Horses
No reported toxicity to Livestock
No reported toxicity to People
