Species cockspur thorn
white flowers with white filaments, pink anthers, beige center, lime-green leaves and gray-brown branches

cockspur thorn

Crataegus crus-galli 'Cruzam' CRUSADER

The Cockspur Thorn tree (Crataegus crus-galli 'Cruzam' CRUSADER) is an amazing plant species due to its unique hardiness, disease resistance and elegant beauty. Native to the eastern United States, this deciduous shrub can reach heights of up to 6 meters and boasts beautiful white flowers in the spring that produce delicious, deep crimson fruits. Furthermore, this tree is highly drought tolerant and can survive in various soil types, making it a perfect choice for homeowners looking to add greenery to their yards. Its rich, dark green leaves provide a classic aesthetic throughout the year, and its thorns provide a bit of extra protection from animal intruders. The Cockspur Thorn tree is a versatile and unique shrub sure to enrich any garden!

Cycle:

Perennial

Watering:

Average

Propagation:

Hardwood Cuttings,Greenwood Cuttings,Layering Propagation,Grafting Propagation,Seed Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

3 - 7

Flowers:

White Flowers In Spring

Sun:

Full sun

Fruits:

green,yellow Fruits Ready In Fall

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green

Growth Rate:

High

Maintenance:

Moderate

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Thorny:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Cockspur Thorn plants should be watered regularly during the growing season, from May to August, when the soil has dried out approximately an inch down from the surface. Watering should be done slowly but deeply, to ensure that the entire root zone is moistened. To determine when the plant needs water, use a soil probe or simply poke your finger into the soil to a depth of 2 inches down; if it feels dry then it is time to water. Avoid saturating the soil, as this can cause root rot and other fungal diseases. In most climates, cockspur thorn plants should be watered about twice a week during these months. During the winter, when the plant is dormant, water only once a month or less.

sunlight

Cockspur thorn (Crataegus crus-galli 'Cruzam' CRUSADER) is a plant species that thrives in full or partial sun. It prefers 5-6 hours of direct sunlight per day to ensure maximum growth and blooms. For optimum health, it is best to plant in an area that receives a few hours of direct sun in the morning and dappled sun the remainder of the day. The sun should be intense enough to provide adequate warmth to the plant, but it should still be able to receive some respite in the shade. Direct sunlight is needed for the cockspur thorn to bloom, although it is not required for the plant to survive.

pruning

Cockspur thorn should be pruned in early spring, just before new growth begins. Pruning should be light, removing only dead, diseased or damaged branches. Additionally, some selective pruning may be done to maintain an ideal shape and balance to the plant. For younger plants, pruning should focus on height and shape, removing any shoots that are too tall or leggy in nature. Older plants may need more drastic pruning; if the overall shape and fullness is becoming sparse, a light renewal pruning can be used, cutting away 1/3 of the older branches at their base. Avoid shearing back the shrub, as this will create an unnatural appearance. Regular maintenance pruning should also be done once or twice a year to keep the shrub looking its best.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Harvest Fruit

Harvesting of the Crataegus crus-galli 'Cruzam' CRUSADER, also known as cockspur thorn, typically begins in late summer, usually in August or September.

Starts Flowering

Cockspur thorn typically starts flowering in April.

Harvest Fruit

Harvesting of the Crataegus crus-galli 'Cruzam' CRUSADER, also known as cockspur thorn, typically begins in late summer, usually in August or September.

Hardiness Map