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Native Plant Society of Texas

Cockspur Hawthorn

Crataegus crus-galli

Other common name(s):

Bush Hawthorn, Cockspur Thorn, Newcastle Hawthorn, Newcastle Thorn, Hog Apple

Family:

Rosaceae (Rose Family)

Plant Ecoregion Distribution Map

This map uses data from the US EPA. EPA  servers have been offline frequently so maps may not display. We are working on a solution.

Cross Timbers, East Central Texas Plains, Edwards Plateau, Texas Blackland Prairies, Western Gulf Coastal Plain
Eastern Cross Timbers, Grand Prairie, Limestone Cut Plain
Southern Post Oak Savanna
Balcones Canyonlands, Edwards Plateau Woodland, Llano Uplift
Floodplains and Low Terraces1, Northern Blackland Prairie, Southern Blackland Prairie
Flatwoods, Southern Tertiary Uplands

Plant Characteristics

Growth Form

Tree

Height

20
to
30
ft.

Spread

20
to
30
ft.

Leaf Retention

Deciduous

Lifespan

Perennial

Habitat and Care Requirements

Soil Type(s)

Clay, Loam, Moist, Sand

Light Requirement

Sun, Part Shade, Shade

Water Requirement

Low

Native Habitat

Riparian, Woodland

Bloom and Attraction

Bloom Color

White

Bloom Season

Spring

Seasonal Interest

Fall Color, Fruit, Larval Host, Nectar, Pollen

Wildlife Benefit

Bees, Birds, Butterflies, Small Mammals

Maintenance

Densely set branches make it difficult to grow grasses underneath. Thicket forming. Glossy foliage which turns bright orange or red in fall. Native habitat: limestone regions, growing in fertile or rocky ground in thickets and pastures, and in open woodland, along small streams.

Description

Blooms May-June. Short trunk with exfoliating bark. Horizontal, thorny branches sweep the ground. Produces shiny dark green, spoon-shaped leaves. Profuse clusters of white flowers are followed by small, red “apples,” persistent until January. Larval host: Striped Hairstreak, Banded Hairstreak, Soapberry Hairstreak, King’s Hairstreak, Gray Hairstreak.
Previous Scientific Name(s): Crataegus acutifolia, Crataegus acutifolia var. insignis, Crataegus algens, Crataegus barrettiana, Crataegus bushii, Crataegus canbyi, Crataegus cherokeensis, Crataegus cocksii, Crataegus crus-galli var. barrettiana, Crataegus crus-galli var. bellica, Crataegus crus-galli var. capillata, Crataegus crus-galli var. exigua, Crataegus crus-galli var. leptophylla, Crataegus crus-galli var. macra, Crataegus crus-galli var. oblongata, Crataegus crus-galli var. pachyphylla, Crataegus crus-galli var. pyracanthifolia, Crataegus danielsii, Crataegus denaria, Crataegus fecunda, Crataegus fontanesiana, Crataegus hannibalensis, Crataegus mohrii, Crataegus operta, Crataegus palliata, Crataegus palmeri, Crataegus permixta, Crataegus pyracanthoides, Crataegus regalis, Crataegus regalis var. paradoxa, Crataegus sabineana, Crataegus schizophylla, Crataegus signata, Crataegus subpilosa, Crataegus tantula, Crataegus tenax, Crataegus triumphalis, Crataegus uniqua, Crataegus vallicola

References

Learn about how to propagate Texas native plants.

Material Treatment Method Collection References
Seed Stratification It should be warm stratified for 3 months at 15°c and then cold stratified for another 3 months at 4°c. It may still take another 18 months to germinate. It is best to pot up the seedlings as soon as they are large enough to handle and grow them in individual pots for their first year, planting them out in late spring into nursery beds or their final positions. When growing larger quantities, it might be best to sow them directly outdoors in a seedbed, but with protection from mice and other seed-eating creatures. Grow them in the seedbed until large enough to plant out, but undercut the roots if they are to be left undisturbed for more than two years. 1) https://pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Crataegus+crus-galli#:~:text=Plant%20Propagation&text=Stored%20seed%20can%20be%20very,for%20more%20than%20two%20years. 2) https://www.picturethisai.com/care/propagate/Crataegus_crus-galli.html
Softwood Cutting Ensure that cuttings and seedlings of cockspur hawthorn receive sufficient light, as inadequate light can weaken plants and decrease the chances of successful propagation. Applying bottom heat to cuttings can promote quicker root development, which is critical for the successful propagation of cockspur hawthorn. Employ a well-draining rooting medium to maintain proper moisture levels and prevent rot in cuttings of cockspur hawthorn. Can be taken in early summer. Choose a disease-free, vigorous parent plant for obtaining cuttings or to ensure the best start for propagation. 1) https://www.picturethisai.com/care/propagate/Crataegus_crus-galli.html 2) https://earthone.io/plant/crataegus%20crus-galli
Seed Scarification Scarify the seed before stratifying it might reduce this time. Fermenting the seed for a few days in its own pulp may also speed up the germination process. It is best to pot up the seedlings as soon as they are large enough to handle and grow them in individual pots for their first year, planting them out in late spring into nursery beds or their final positions. When growing larger quantities, it might be best to sow them directly outdoors in a seedbed, but with protection from mice and other seed-eating creatures. Grow them in the seedbed until large enough to plant out, but undercut the roots if they are to be left undisturbed for more than two years. Another possibility is to harvest the seed 'green' (as soon as the embryo has fully developed but before the seedcoat hardens.
Seed No Treatment Sow it immediately in a cold frame. If timed well, it can germinate in the spring. If you are only growing small quantities of plants. It is best to pot up the seedlings as soon as they are large enough to handle and grow them in individual pots for their first year, planting them out in late spring into nursery beds or their final positions. When growing larger quantities, it might be best to sow them directly outdoors in a seedbed, but with protection from mice and other seed-eating creatures. Grow them in the seedbed until large enough to plant out, but undercut the roots if they are to be left undisturbed for more than two years.

About the Region

2026 Fall Symposium Logo

This low-elevations region of Texas extends inland from the barrier islands, about 60 or so miles, and stretches from Brownsville to Louisiana. In total, it covers about 9.5 million acres, with a high point of 150 feet in elevation. More than 1000 species of plants can be found in this region. On the southern end, species more common in Mexico (such as Sabal mexicana) and Central America occur.

The barrier islands provide us with dune systems, and clay flats to the inland side, which have species found in these areas alone. Many plants here, such as Ipomoea pes-caprae (beach morning glory), can be found throughout tropical regions of the globe. I’ve encountered the same species on the beaches of Guam.

Once inland, vast marshes and wet prairies occur. Occasionally, oak (Quercus fusiformis) groves can be found. Common grasses include species of Bothriochloa, Paspalum, and Sporobolus; eastern gamagrass (Tripsacum dactyloides); and switchgrass (Panicum species). Many rivers and creeks cut through the Gulf Prairies, and along these riparian areas various species of trees, Sabal minor, and other plants adapted to clay soils can be found. Due to overgrazing, farming, and fire suppression, woody species such as mesquite (Prosopis glandulosa) and huisache (Acacia farnesiana), and invasive species such as chinaberry (Melia azedarach), Brazilian pepper (Schinus terebinthifolius), and Chinese tallow (Sapium sebiferum) have increased and displaced our native flora.

Source: Wildflowers of Texas by Michael Eason