Crataegus crus-galli
cockspur hawthorn, bush hawthorn, aubépine ergot-de-coq, cockspur thorn, newcastle hawthorn, newcastle thorn
Family
Rosaceae
Leaf Arrangement
alternate
Leaf Attachment
petiolate
Leaf Margin
serrate
Leaf Type
simple
Leaf Shape
elliptic, oblanceolate, obovate
Growth Form
shrub, tree
Flower Color
pink, white
Flower Petals
5
Flower Month
April - May
Height (meters)
4.0 - 10.0
Milky Sap
No
Armed/Unarmed
Armed
Origin
native
Lifespan
perennial
Growing Season
Warm season
Leaf Retention
Deciduous
Wetland Class
FAC
Prairie Coefficient of Conservatism
3
Natural History
The Cajun name "cenellier" is used to refer to any members of the genus Crataegus that have red berries. This name is also applied to Ilex decidua Walt., or deciduous holly, which has red berries. The fruit of some hawthorns may be eaten raw or cooked in late summer when ripe. The thorns have been used as needles, sewing awns, and fish hooks (Chase 1965).
Habitat
Pastures and stream banks.