Hawthorn, Cockspur

Crataegus crusgalli
Deciduous
The hawthorns are a diverse and confusing group of plants with at least 200 distinct species occurring throughout the Northern Hemisphere. There are dozens of species native to North America, including several that are grown as landscape trees.
Crataegus crusgalli

Size at Maturity

Height Crown Spread 15-30' 10-25'

Wildlife Benefits

Hawthorns are especially important trees for wildlife as their fruit is eaten by many birds, and their tangle of thorny branches often provides good cover to birds seeking shelter.

Additional Considerations

The species is highly susceptible to cedar-hawthorn rust, causing significant deformities with leaves and fruits in wet years and when planted near cedar trees.

Interesting Facts

Crusgalli is Latin in origin and means “leg of a cock” in reference to the thorns of the tree that resemble a rooster's spurs.