TREE OF THE MONTH
Photo provided by Len Phillips
Trade Name: Thornless or Crusader™
Hawthorn
Common Name: Cockspur Hawthorn
Botanical Name: Crataegus crus-galli var.
inermis ('Cruzam')
Family: Rosaceae
Year of Introduction: 2009
Hardiness Zone*: 4 – 8
Height: 15 to 30 feet
Spread: 15 to 30 feet
Growth Rate: Vigorous, full size in 30 years
Form: Wide spreading form
Bloom Period: Late May for 1 to 2 weeks
Flower: White, showy, clusters 2 to 3
inches, no fragrance, early bloomer
Fruit: Orange to bright red, cherry-like,
3/4 inch, produced in small groups
Spring Color: Mid green
Summer Foliage: Glossy, dark green
Autumn Foliage: Bright gold, provides
26 Arbor Age / April 2013
nice contrast with red fruits
Winter Interest: Fruits provide interest
into mid-winter, bark also provides winter
interest
Bark: Exfoliating in narrow silvery gray
strips, virtually thornless on trunk and
branches
Habitat: Species native to eastern half of
United States and Canada
Culture: Well drained soils, full to partial
sun, drought and heat resistant, tolerates
most soils and pH
Pest Resistance: Resistant to Cedar rust
on the fruits, no other pests
Storm Resistance: Good to excellent
Salt Tolerance: Tolerant of salt spray
Planting: Difficult to transplant bare
root, containers and B&B are better,
suitable for use in CU-Structural Soil
Propagating: By seeds or stem cuttings
grafted onto seedling rootstock
Design Uses: Specimen for park, street,
and residential
Companions: Use with low groundcovers
planted the year after planting the tree
Other Comments: Excellent attractive
tree, specimen, group planting, or small
street tree, very urban tolerant
Available From: Most retail nurseries.
* For information about the USDA
Hardiness Zone Map, visit
www.usna.usda.gov/Hardzone/index.html
These are the personal observations of the
author, living in New England – Zone 6.
Len Phillips can be reached via e-mail at
lenphillips@on-line-seminars.com
www.arborage.com
