Crataegus crus-galli

cockspur thorn

• Position: full sun or partial shade
• Soil: all soils except waterlogged
• Rate of growth: average
• Flowering period: May
• Flower colour: white
• Other features: a tough tree for small gardens
• Hardiness: very hardy
  
  A small, deciduous tree with spreading branches, which are clothed in curved thorns and glossy green leaves that turn brilliant shades of scarlet before falling in autumn. In early summer clusters of pretty, cup-shaped white flowers with pink anthers appear and as they fade, decorative, dark red fruits develop, which last for several months. This delightful and very tough tree is a valuable asset to a small garden as it has a prolonged period of interest throughout the year.
  
  
• Garden care: Requires minimal pruning. Remove any broken, diseased or crossing branches in late autumn or winter. When planting incorporate lots of well-rotted garden compost in the planting hole and stake firmly.
  
  
  • Eventual Height: 8m
  • Eventual Spread: 9m
  Crataegus crus-galli - cockspur thorn spectacular in summer and autumn