How to identify Cockspur hawthorn (Crataegus crus-galli)

How to identify Cockspur hawthorn (Crataegus crus-galli)

Cockspur hawthorn, also known as Dwarf hawthorn, Newcastle hawthorn, Newcastle thorn

Cockspur hawthorn is a deciduous tree or shrub characterized by a dense canopy, providing substantial shade. It typically achieves a height of 20 to 30 feet (6 to 9 meters) with a trunk diameter around 9 inches (23 cm). The branches bear sharply-toothed leaves and are adorned with clusters of white flowers followed by small red berries. The flowers emerge in the spring, offering a striking contrast against the foliage, while the berries may add visual interest into the late season. Cockspur hawthorn flourishes in well-drained soils and full sunlight but shows resilience to partial shade and occasional drought.

Lifespan: Perennial

Plant Type: Tree, Shrub

Leaf Type: Deciduous

Quickly Identify Cockspur hawthorn

Distinctive red haws, 0.6 inches (1.5 cm) in diameter, adorn cockspur hawthorn in late summer to fall.

Smooth dark green leaves, 1.5 to 3 inches (4 to 8 cm) long, with vibrant Fall colors.

Clusters of white flowers, each 1/2 inch (1.3 cm) wide, emit varying fragrances to attract pollinators.

Textural evolution of the trunk bark, starting smooth and developing fissures and narrow scales with age.

Symmetrically arranged petals on 2-3 inch (5-7.5 cm) diameter floral corymbs signal the arrival of cockspur hawthorn.

Detailed Traits of Cockspur hawthorn

Leaf Features

The leaves of cockspur hawthorn are dark green, spirally arranged on long shoots, with lobed or serrated margins. They are wedge-shaped, obovate to oblong-ovate in form. These leaves measure approximately 1.5 to 3 inches (4 to 8 cm) in length. The texture is smooth, and the leaves undergo a stunning color transformation in the Fall, turning from orange to scarlet to purple. The pronounced vein patterns add to their distinctive appearance, aiding in their identification.

Learn About the Leaf Glossary

Flower Features

Cockspur hawthorn produces clusters or corymbs that measure 2 to 3 inches (5 to 7.5 cm) in diameter, each comprising small flowers roughly 1/2 inch (1.3 cm) across. Initially emitting a pleasant fragrance, the flowers turn fishy to attract pollinating midges. The blooms typically appear in late April through May. With five white petals arranged symmetrically, these flowers create a distinctive, identifiable look crucial for enthusiasts and botanists alike.

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Fruit Features

The fruit of cockspur hawthorn is a small, deep-red pome, measuring up to 0.6 inches (1.5 cm) in diameter. It contains 1 to 5 hard pyrenes, akin to the 'stones' found in various stone fruits like plums and peaches. These pyrenes provide a structural core around which the fleshy fruit develops. The surface of the fruit is smooth with a glossy finish, making it visually distinctive. The fruit, termed a 'haw', typically matures in the late summer to fall, eventually becoming a significant food source for local wildlife.

Learn About the Fruit Glossary

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Cockspur hawthorn and Their Similar Plants

Black hawthorn vs. Cockspur hawthorn: What's The Difference?

Black hawthorn (Crataegus douglasii) is a shrub species that is used for ornamental purposes and as a food source for livestock and wildlife. Livestock often graze on the foliage of this plant, while wild bird species eat the berries.

Chinese haw vs. Cockspur hawthorn: What's The Difference?

Chinese haw is a tiny tree endemic to Eastern Asia. This variety is similar to apples, has fewer small thorns, and is more erect than other Hawthorns. Birds are enticed by its edible fruits. The flowers have an aromatic scent when first opened, but also emit a rotting, fish-like scent that attracts midges, its primary source of fertilization.

Frosted hawthorn vs. Cockspur hawthorn: What's The Difference?

Frosted hawthorn (Crataegus pruinosa) is a plant that's native to North America everywhere except for Mexico. The name its best known by is "frosted hawthorn." It flourishes in full to partial sun and in conditions that are moderately moist to somewhat dry.

Parsley Hawthorn vs. Cockspur hawthorn: What's The Difference?

Parsley Hawthorn (Crataegus marshallii) is a deciduous tree with parsley-like foliage that gives it its name. Produces white flowers in spring followed by small bright red berries and seeds that provide food for birds and small animals. The tree offers shelter to wildlife. Native in low wet areas and can tolerate some flooding.

Eastern mayhaw vs. Cockspur hawthorn: What's The Difference?

Eastern mayhaw (Crataegus aestivalis) is a deciduous shrub that will grow from 9 to 12 m tall and 8 m wide. It blooms in spring with showy clusters of white flowers. Red fruits ripen in summer. Fruit can be eaten raw or cooked. Thrives in full sun to partial shade in moist or wet soil.

Washington hawthorn vs. Cockspur hawthorn: What's The Difference?

Washington hawthorn is a North American native tree that, despite being named for the state of Washington, actually originates from nearby North Carolina. It was first introduced to Pennsylvania from Washington, thus earning its common name. Its dense, thorny growth and ability to withstand pruning make it a good protective hedging plant.

Green hawthorn vs. Cockspur hawthorn: What's The Difference?

The green hawthorn is a smaller tree or a larger shrub that's often used in landscaping and ornamental gardening. It blooms with white flowers followed by red berries. The berries persist into winter, making an important food source for a number of birds.

Big-fruit hawthorn vs. Cockspur hawthorn: What's The Difference?

Crataegus macrosperma, the bigfruit hawthorn is a species of hawthorn native to most of the eastern United States and adjacent Canada, though uncommon at lower altitudes in the south. It is sometimes misidentified as C. flabellata. It is one of the earliest hawthorns to bloom in spring.

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Key Facts About Cockspur hawthorn

Attributes of Cockspur hawthorn

Lifespan

Perennial

Plant Type

Tree, Shrub

Plant Height

4.5 m to 11 m

Spread

6 m

Leaf Color

Green

Red

Orange

Purple

Flower Size

2.5 cm to 5 cm

Flower Color

White

Fruit Color

Red

Burgundy

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Scientific Classification of Cockspur hawthorn

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Dicotyledons

Order

Roses, elms, figs, and allies

Family

Rose

Genus

Hawthorns

Species

Cockspur hawthorn (Crataegus crus-galli)

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Distribution Map of Cockspur hawthorn

The plant cockspur hawthorn has a native range restricted to regions of North America. It has been introduced and naturalized in various parts of Europe. Additionally, cockspur hawthorn is cultivated in diverse environments that extend beyond its native and introduced ranges.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Potentially invasive

Exotic

No species reported

Learn More About the Cockspur hawthorn

A Comprehensive Guide to Cockspur hawthorn How to Grow and Care for Cockspur hawthorn