Overview

Crataegus crus-galli is a plant with a bushy, spreading branched habit in the genus Crataegus, part of the Rosaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Crataegus crus-galli grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include hedging and screens, coastal, cottage and informal garden, wildlife gardens and edible fruit.

About

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.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0Crataegus crus-galli

About the genus

Crataegus, commonly called hawthorn, quickthorn, thornapple, May-tree, whitethorn, Mayflower or hawberry, is a genus of several hundred species of shrubs and trees in the family Rosaceae, native to temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere in Europe, Asia, North Africa and North America. The name "hawthorn" was originally applied to the species native to northern Europe, especially the common hawthorn C. monogyna, and the unmodified name is often so used in Britain and Ireland.

Wikipedia contributors, "Crataegus", CC BY-SA 4.0Crataegus

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Crataegus

Sunlight
Full sun, Partial shade
Soil type
Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moisture
Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
Aspect
North-facing, East-facing, South-facing, West-facing
Exposure
Exposed, Sheltered
UK hardiness
H7

Plant details

Crataegus crus-galli size, habit and characteristics

Habit
Bushy, Spreading branched
Foliage
Deciduous
Suggested uses
Hedging and screens, Coastal, Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens, Edible fruit

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Crataegus crus-galli

Propagation
Seed, Grafting
Pest resistance
Aphids, Caterpillars, Gall mites
Disease resistance
Fireblight, Honey fungus, Leaf spots, Powdery mildews

Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place to plant Crataegus crus-galli?

Crataegus crus-galli prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.

What soil does Crataegus crus-galli need?

Crataegus crus-galli is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained to well-drained.

Is Crataegus crus-galli hardy in the UK?

Crataegus crus-galli has an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures below -20°C.

How do I propagate Crataegus crus-galli?

Seed, Grafting.