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Cockspur Hawthorn

Crataegus crus-galli is a species of hawthorn known by the common names cockspur hawthorn and cockspur thorn. It is native to eastern North America from Ontario to Texas to Florida, and it is widely used in horticulture.[3][4] It is thought to be the parent, along with Crataegus succulenta, of the tetraploid species Crataegus persimilis.

Description

This is a small tree growing up to about 10 meters tall and 8 meters wide, rounded in form when young and spreading and flattening as it matures. The leaves are 5 to 6 centimeters long, glossy dark green in color and turning gold to red in the fall. The flowers are white and have a scent generally considered unpleasant. The fruits are small pomes that vary in colour, usually a shade of red.[4] Most wild varieties[specify] of the tree are heavily armed in sharp thorns several centimeters long.[citation needed]

A Cockspur Thorn tree in flower, Oxfordshire UK, 5th May 2022.

Cultivation

This species is a popular ornamental tree, especially var. inermis, which lacks thorns. Many other wild forms would be very suitable for landscaping if better known, and yellow-fruited forms exist.[4]

Uses

The fruit is edible and can be made into jelly or crushed to make tea.[5]

Images

See also

References

  1. ^ Botanic Gardens Conservation International (BGCI) & IUCN SSC Global Tree Specialist Group (2018). "Crataegus crus-galli". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2018: e.T135957789A135957791. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2018-2.RLTS.T135957789A135957791.en. Retrieved 31 May 2024.
  2. ^ Phipps, J.B. (2015), "Crataegus crus-galli Linnaeus", in L. Brouillet; K. Gandhi; C.L. Howard; H. Jeude; R.W. Kiger; J.B. Phipps; A.C. Pryor; H.H. Schmidt; J.L. Strother; J.L. Zarucchi (eds.), Flora of North America North of Mexico, vol. 9: Magnoliophyta: Picramniaceae to Rosaceae, New York, Oxford: Oxford University Press, pp. 538–619
  3. ^ USDA, NRCS (n.d.). "​Crataegus crus-galli L.​". The PLANTS Database (plants.usda.gov). Greensboro, North Carolina: National Plant Data Team. Retrieved 7 June 2022.
  4. ^ a b c Phipps, J.B.; O’Kennon, R.J.; Lance, R.W. (2003). Hawthorns and medlars. Cambridge, U.K.: Royal Horticultural Society. ISBN 0-88192-591-8.
  5. ^ Elias, Thomas S.; Dykeman, Peter A. (2009) [1982]. Edible Wild Plants: A North American Field Guide to Over 200 Natural Foods. New York: Sterling. pp. 237–38. ISBN 978-1-4027-6715-9. OCLC 244766414.
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