Cockspur Thorn, Cockspur hawthorn, Dwarf Hawthorn

Crataegus crus-galli

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Basic Information

Family: Rosaceae

Genus: crataegus

Plant ID (slug): crataegus-crus-galli

Numeric ID: 22869

USDA Hardiness: 4-7

Ratings

Physical Characteristics

Crataegus crus-galli is a deciduous Shrub growing to 10 m (32ft) by 10 m (32ft) at a medium rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5 and is not frost tender. It is in flower in June, and the seeds ripen in October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Midges. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and can grow in heavy clay soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very alkaline soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers dry moist or wet soil and can tolerate drought. The plant can tolerates strong winds but not maritime exposure. It can tolerate atmospheric pollution.

Distribution

Eastern N. America - Quebec to Georgia, west to Louisiana. Locally naturalized in Europe[50].

Habitats

Woodland Garden Secondary; Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade; Hedge;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Fruit Edible Uses: Fruit - raw or cooked[62, 101, 105]. A dry flesh, it is used in jellies[43]. The fruit is about 1cm in diameter and is borne in small clusters[200]. It often persists on the tree until spring[200]. This suggests that it does not make very good eating[K]. There are up to five fairly large seeds in the centre of the fruit, these often stick together and so the effect is of eating a cherry-like fruit with a single seed[K].

Medicinal Uses

Cardiotonic Hypotensive Although no specific mention has been seen for this species, the fruits and flowers of many hawthorns are well-known in herbal folk medicine as a heart tonic and modern research has borne out this use. The fruits and flowers have a hypotensive effect as well as acting as a direct and mild heart tonic[222]. They are especially indicated in the treatment of weak heart combined with high blood pressure[222]. Prolonged use is necessary for it to be efficacious[222]. It is normally used either as a tea or a tincture[222].