Showy Cockspur Hawthorn


Showy Cockspur Hawthorn – Crataegus crus-galli var. splendens

Showy Cockspur HawthornThis specimen showy cockspur hawthorn is 53 years old

Wide-spreading plant habit, glossy dark green foliage, showy flowers and fruit – without the dangerous thorns of its parent.

Height: 15-18′ / Width: 20-25′

showy cockspur hawthorn bark

Cockspur Hawthorn is an excellent small tree with a wide-spreading plant form. It has 2-3″ clusters of white flowers in spring. Fruit are a bright red, 3/4″ pome. They are produced in masses and provide excellent color in late summer and early fall.

Showy cockspur hawthorn foliageJune foliage shows distinct signs of fire blight, (brown, curled leaf tips)

Fire blight is caused by a bacterium and only affects plants in the rose family.

Cultural requirements: Needs a well drained soil. Fairly tolerant of drought. Does best in full sun.

Does not tolerate poorly drained soils. Although most hawthorns are highly susceptible to cedar rust, cockspur hawthorn is quite resistant.

Showy cockspur hawthorn, Morton Arboretum accession 409-54-1 photos © Bruce Marlin

Family Rosaceae
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