Species cockspur thorn
orange-red fruits and dark-green leaves with lime-green veins and midribs on brown branches

cockspur thorn

Crataegus crus-galli (thornless form)

The cockspur thorn is an amazing species of plant that has a wide range of uses. It is a great ornamental tree that can provide a lovely attraction in any garden. It has a very long life span, with some specimens living for up to two-hundred years. Additionally, its thornless form is ideal for any areas where children and pets play, as it eliminates the need for careful supervision when they are about. Finally, the cockspur produces an abundance of edible fruit that can be enjoyed by humans and wildlife alike, providing a nice balance to a garden or other outdoor space.

Cycle:

Perennial

Watering:

Average

Propagation:

Grafting Propagation,Layering Propagation,Cutting,Seed Propagation,Root Suckering

Hardiness Zone:

3 - 7

Flowers:

White Flowers In Spring

Sun:

Full sun

Fruits:

green,red,yellow Fruits Ready In

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green

Growth Rate:

High

Maintenance:

Moderate

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Care Level:

Moderate

watering

The cockspur thorn (Crataegus crus-galli, thornless form) is a hardy and drought-tolerant species. It prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained, slightly acidic soil. Watering your cockspur thorn regularly is important to ensure the best health of the plant; however, it does not need a great deal of water. Young plants should be watered after planting, but established plants should only be watered occasionally during dry spells. In general, 1 to 2 quarts of water should be applied to each plant every month during the spring and summer months. If the area the cockspur thorn is planted in is prone to drought conditions, you may need to water up to twice weekly. In areas that are prone to drought, mulching your cockspur thorn will help to preserve any water it receives. In the fall and winter months, cockspur thorns should be watered very sparingly. This will help to prevent root rot and disease. During the cooler months, the cockspur thorn should only receive 1 to 2 quarts of water every 2 to 3 months. If you receive an unusual amount of rain in the fall and winter months, your cockspur thorns should not need to be watered at all.

sunlight

Cockspur Thorn is a species of Thornless plants that thrive on sunlight. It prefers at least 6 hours of sunshine per day to ensure that it can uptake the energy from the sun to power its growth. Early morning or late afternoon sun is best, as the direct sun in the middle of the day can be too intense for the plant and cause it to burn. If planted in an area that receives full sun all day, it is critical to make sure there is adequate protection from extremely hot temperatures or prolonged exposure to direct sunlight. This species is highly tolerant of all soil conditions, but does appreciate moist, well-drained soil for optimal growth.

pruning

The cockspur thorn (Crataegus crus-galli (thornless form)) is best pruned in early spring before it begins to grow or in late winter if it is already growing. Prune off any weak or dead stems, focusing on removing any stems that are more than a few years old. If old branches are crossed, rub off or thin their crowded growth to minimize disease. Ideally, pruning should be done while also preserving the natural form of the cockspur thorn. If greater reduction is required, begin carefully and leave a few buds on the main trunk and side branches to make sure that new growth is retained. In addition, pruning should leave plenty of room between stems and branches to allow for good air circulation.

Season

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

The best time to start harvesting the fruits from Crataegus crus-galli (thornless form) is in late summer, usually August or September.

Starts Flowering

Cockspur thorn typically starts flowering in April.

Harvest Fruit

The best time to start harvesting the fruits from Crataegus crus-galli (thornless form) is in late summer, usually August or September.

Hardiness Map