About
Crataegus monogyna 'Ferox' is a sizable shrub or small tree, reaching heights of up to 8 meters. It features lobed foliage and produces clusters of creamy-white, fragrant blossoms in late spring or early summer, which give way to red berries in the autumn months. This variety is distinguished from the standard species by the presence of thorny clusters at the nodes of its stems. Additionally, young shoots can grow vigorously, particularly following severe pruning, resembling lengths of barbed wire.
About the genus
Crataegus comprises deciduous trees and shrubs characterized by spiny branches and leaves that may be lobed or serrated. These plants produce clusters of creamy-white blossoms, which give way to red or black fruits. Certain species display notable color changes in autumn.
Growing conditions
- 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
- South-facing, North-facing, West-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
- Plant type
- Trees
- Habit
- Bushy, Spreading branched
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 4-8 metres
- Spread
- 4-8 metres
- Time to full height
- 20-50 years
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden, Coastal, Wildlife gardens
- Toxicity
- Seeds contain toxins so these should be removed if you are considering eating the fruit, usually grown as an ornamental shrub Pets: Fruit are ornamental - not to be eaten - see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants for further information and useful contact numbers
Care notes
- Cultivation
- Grow in any (not waterlogged) soil in full sun or part shade. Useful specimen trees for town, coastal or exposed gardens. See hawthorn cultivation for further advice
- Pruning
- Pruning group 1
- Propagation
- Propagate by grafting, using scion wood of the previous season's growth, onto rootstocks of Crataegus laevigata or C. monogyna
- Pest resistance
- May be susceptible to caterpillars, aphids and gall mites
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to fireblight, honey fungus, crown gall, silver leaf, powdery mildews and leaf spots