Photo: Taro IetakaCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Cockspur Hawthorn Plant Care
Crataegus crus-galli Mill.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Crataegus crus-galli is a species of hawthorn known by the common names cockspur hawthorn, cockspur thorn, Newcastle hawthorne, Newcastle thorn, hog apple. It is native to North America and is widely used in horticulture.
Every 7–14 days
Full sun to partial shade
0–100°F
40–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Cockspur Hawthorn?
Plant Cockspur Hawthorn in full sun to partial shade (USDA zones 3a–7b) and water a young tree every 7–14 days until it is established. It tolerates temperatures of 0–100°F (-18–38°C). Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season. The ASPCA lists it as non-toxic to cats and dogs.
Where Is the Cockspur Hawthorn Native To?
What Is the Cockspur Hawthorn?
Cockspur Hawthorn (Crataegus crus-galli) belongs to the Rosaceae family within the Crataegus genus. Cockspur Hawthorn is native to North America. Cockspur Hawthorn is also known as Cockspur thorn.
Cockspur Hawthorn displays a small to medium-sized deciduous tree growth habit, reaching up to 30 ft tall with a spread of approximately 25 ft. Cockspur Hawthorn produces clusters of white or pink blossoms.
Leaf size: approximately 3 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Cockspur Hawthorn?
Water a young or newly planted Cockspur Hawthorn every 7–14 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established trees mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–14 days
Until established; then in dry spells
What Light Does the Cockspur Hawthorn Need?
Cockspur Hawthorn thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Cockspur Hawthorn Prefer?
Crataegus crus-galli tolerates temperatures of 0–100°F. Cockspur Hawthorn prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.
Temperature
0–100°F
Humidity
40–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Cockspur Hawthorn?
Well-draining loamy soil with added compost for nutrients. Good drainage is essential for Cockspur Hawthorn to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Cockspur Hawthorn?
Feed Cockspur Hawthorn every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established trees in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.
Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.
Fertilizing
Every 6 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
Where Should You Plant a Cockspur Hawthorn?
Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade and well-draining loamy soil with added compost for nutrients. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.
Cockspur Hawthorn is suited to USDA Zone 3a – 7b.
Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped trees in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.
How Far Apart Should You Plant a Cockspur Hawthorn?
Cockspur Hawthorn can spread to about 25 ft (7.6 m) and reach about 30 ft (9 m) tall. Space plants about 25 ft (7.6 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.
Planning a row or hedge? Try the tree spacing calculator.
How Do You Prune a Cockspur Hawthorn?
Prune Cockspur Hawthorn while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.
If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the tree in one year.
How Do You Care for a Cockspur Hawthorn in Winter?
Cockspur Hawthorn is hardy down to USDA zone 3a, so once established it can stay outdoors through winter in that zone and warmer ones.
Water deeply in late autumn before the ground freezes, and spread a 5–8 cm (2–3 in) layer of mulch over the root zone, keeping it away from the trunk.
Young and container-grown trees need extra protection: roots in a pot freeze much more easily than roots in the ground.
How Do You Propagate a Cockspur Hawthorn?
Cockspur Hawthorn can be propagated through seeds, hardwood cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to washington hawthorn plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Cockspur Hawthorn Toxic to Pets and Children?
Non-toxic to cats and dogs
Source: ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center plant list, which covers Crataegus species (which includes Cockspur Hawthorn). View the ASPCA entry
Non-toxic to humans and pets
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Cockspur Hawthorn?
Cockspur Hawthorn is susceptible to aphids, caterpillars, scale insects. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Cockspur Hawthorn Need?
Cockspur Hawthorn grows outdoors in USDA Zone 3a – 7b. It survives winters down to planting zone 3a. Cockspur Hawthorn is native to North America.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 3a – 7b
Keep exploring plants
Cockspur Hawthorn is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Crataegus genus — compare its care with other Crataegus species on PlantoScan.
Crataegus is part of the Rosaceae plant family — browse all Rosaceae genera and species.
Cockspur Hawthorn thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Crataegus crus-galli Mill., family Rosaceae (first published in The gardeners dictionary: eighth edition ; 1768 Crataegus no.5 1768) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record, Wikidata.
- Pet toxicity: The ASPCA lists Crataegus species (which includes Cockspur Hawthorn) as non-toxic to cats and dogs. Source: ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List.
- Photo: Taro Ietaka, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 3a – 7b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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