Cockspur Hawthorn

Cockspur Hawthorn
Crataegus crus-galli

Limited Quantities

A striking native small tree, Cockspur Hawthorn is valued for its dense branching structure, glossy green foliage, showy white spring flowers, and brilliant red fruit. In late spring, the branches become covered in clusters of fragrant white blossoms that attract a wide variety of native bees and other pollinators.

Its most distinctive feature is its long, curved thorns, which give the species its common name and provide excellent protection and nesting habitat for birds. By late summer and fall, clusters of bright red hawthorn fruits develop and persist into winter, providing an important food source for birds and small mammals.

The foliage turns rich shades of red, orange, and bronze in autumn, giving Cockspur Hawthorn exceptional seasonal interest. Its compact stature and tolerance of difficult conditions make it an excellent choice for hedgerows, wildlife plantings, naturalized landscapes, and smaller properties.

Growing Conditions

Height: 15–30 ft
Spread: 15–30 ft
Light: Full sun to part shade
Soil: Adaptable to a wide range of well-drained soils, including clay and sandy soils
Hardiness: Zone 4–7
Growth Rate: Slow to moderate
Tolerates drought, urban conditions, and poor soils once established
Ideal for hedgerows, wildlife gardens, woodland edges, and naturalized landscapes.

Ecological Value

• Spring flowers provide nectar and pollen for native bees and other pollinators.
• Red fruits provide valuable fall and winter food for birds and small mammals.
• Dense, thorny branching provides excellent nesting and protective cover for songbirds.
• Supports a diverse community of native insects.
• Excellent native species for wildlife hedgerows and restoration plantings.

Larval Host Plant For

Supports the larvae of numerous native moth species and provides habitat for a wide variety of beneficial insects.

Companion Species

Serviceberry (Amelanchier canadensis)
Black Elderberry (Sambucus canadensis)
Red Raspberry (Rubus idaeus ssp. strigosus)
Wild Bergamot (Monarda fistulosa)
Virginia Mountain Mint (Pycnanthemum virginianum)
Pale Purple Coneflower (Echinacea pallida)
Dense Blazing Star (Liatris spicata)

Planting to Protect
Restoring to Thrive
Origin Native Plants

1 Gallon Pots