Cockspur hawthorn, Cockspurthorn, Hog-apple, Newcastle-thorn
Crataegus crus-galli

Family: Rosaceae

What it is like

A very small deciduous tree. It grows 8-10 m high. It is wide spreading. The bark is dark brown and scaly. The leaves are 10 cm long by 4 cm wide. They usually have a rounded wide tip. The leaves are sharply toothed. There are many slender thorns. They are 5-7 cm long. The flowers are 1.5 cm across. They are white with 5 petals and pink anthers. They occur in rounded heads. The fruit are 6-10 mm across. They are deep orange-red when ripe.

There are 200 or more Crataegus species.

Where it is found

It is native to eastern North America. Temperate. It will grow in most soils. It is resistant to frost and drought. It suits hardiness zones 5-9.

Countries/locations it is found in

Australia, Canada, Slovenia, Mexico, North America (country/location of origin), USA

How it is used for food

The fruit are eaten raw. They can be used in jellies and jams. The fruit can be dried.

Edible parts

Fruit

How it is grown

Plants can be grown from seed. The seed need cold treatment. Plants can also be grafted.

Its other names

Local names

Ostrogasti glog

Synonyms

Crataegus acutifolia; Crataegus canbyi; Crataegus pyracanthoides; Crataegus regalis Beadle; Crataegus salicifolia Medik.;