Outstanding Features:
Widespreading plant habit, glossy dark green foliage, showy flowers and fruit.

Description:
Height: 15-18'
Width: 20-25'
Hardiness Zone: 4a

Cockspur Hawthorn is an excellent small tree with a widespreading plant form. It has 2-3" clusters of white flowers in spring. Fruit are a bright red, 3/4" pome. They are produced in masses and provide excellent color in late summer and early fall. Foliage is dark green and very glossy. Typical plants of the species have many sharp, 3" long thorns. The tree provides a distinct horizontal accent in the landscape.

Requirements and Culture:
Needs a well drained soil. Fairly tolerant of drought. Does best in full sun.

Limitations:
Does not tolerate poorly drained soils. Although most hawthorns are highly susceptible to Cedar Rust, Cockspur Hawthorn is quite resistant. No serious pest problems. The long sharp thorns of the species are quite dangerous. The thornless variety should be used. Flower fragrance is not pleasant.

Selected Cultivars:

var. inermis - is a thornless variety and should be used instead of the species. It is also more winterhardy.

Photo Credit: 1, 2 & 3 Bailey Nurseries, Inc. All photographs are the var. inermis

Minnesota Power | University of Minnesota | Northern States Power Company

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