Cockspur thorn (Crataegus crus-galli 'Cruzam' CRUSADER)

Overview

The Crataegus crus-galli ‘Cruzam’ CRUSADER, commonly known as Cockspur thorn, is a highly valuable ornamental tree, particularly due to the trade name CRUSADER designating its critical feature: it is entirely thornless. This adaptation significantly improves its safety and usability in residential landscapes compared to the often heavily armed species form. It matures into a broad-rounded tree, providing excellent structure and seasonal interest across USDA zones 3 through 7.

Gardeners appreciate this cultivar for its reliable display of showy white flowers in May, followed by persistent deep red fruit, which adds color well into late fall. Furthermore, the Cockspur thorn demonstrates remarkable resilience, handling varying soil types and significant urban pollutants with ease. Its manageable size ensures it functions perfectly as a specimen tree in lawns or open woodland settings.

Choosing Crataegus crus-galli ‘Cruzam’ CRUSADER eliminates the common maintenance drawback associated with species hawthorns—the long, sharp spurs—making it an excellent choice where safety or ease of pruning is a concern. This makes the CRUSADER cultivar a superior landscape selection for structure, bloom, and durability.

Fast Facts

• Plant Family: Rosaceae
• Plant Type: Tree
• Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 3-7
• Size at Maturity:
  • Height: 25-35 ft
  • Spread: 25-35 ft
• Bloom Time: May
• Bloom Description: White
• Sun Exposure: Full sun
• Water Needs: Medium
• Maintenance Level: Medium

How to Grow

For optimal establishment, plant Crataegus crus-galli ‘Cruzam’ CRUSADER during the dormant season, either early spring or late fall, ensuring consistent moisture immediately after planting. This tree thrives best when situated in full sun, though it will tolerate light shade, and requires average, medium moisture soils that are well-drained. While it adapts well to a wide range of soils, excellent drainage remains key to long-term health.

Watering should be consistent, especially for young trees, to maintain medium soil moisture levels. Avoid letting the soil become overly saturated, as poor drainage can exacerbate disease issues common to hawthorns. Fertilization is rarely necessary unless the tree is growing in extremely poor soil; generally, allow the tree to establish naturally.

Pruning for the CRUSADER variety mainly focuses on removing dead, damaged, or crossing branches to maintain good structure, a task made much easier without thorns. Be watchful for common hawthorn pests and diseases, treating proactively if necessary. This particular cultivar’s tolerance for drought and air pollution makes it an excellent, low-stress choice for challenging urban sites.

Landscape Uses

The primary recommendation for Crataegus crus-galli ‘Cruzam’ CRUSADER is as a small flowering landscape tree, ideally placed within lawns or naturalized woodland fringes where its broad, rounded shape can be appreciated. Because it is thornless, unlike its species counterpart, the Cockspur thorn offers a safer alternative near walkways, children’s play areas, or patios where physical hazards are a concern.

The dense branching habit, coupled with strong seasonal color from flowers and fruit, means this tree can serve as a strong vertical accent or medium-sized specimen planting. Although the species plants are sometimes used as dense barrier plants or hedgerows, the CRUSADER cultivar, prized for its improved safety, is better employed as a focal point or shade provider in residential and commercial settings alike.

Standout Features

Flower Qualities

• Showy
• Fragrant

Fruit Qualities

• Showy
• Edible

Noteworthy Characteristics

Crataegus crus-galli, commonly called cockspur thorn, is sometimes seen as a dense, low-branched, broad-rounded tree to 25-35’ with horizontal branching armed with numerous large thorns (1.5-3” long). White flowers bloom in May for a period of 7-10 days, followed by rounded fruits that ripen to deep red in fall and typically persist to late fall. The variety ‘Cruzam’, sold as CRUSADER, is noteworthy because it is a thornless plant with a slightly more compact shape than the species, making it a superior choice for horticultural safety and maintenance ease.

Tolerances

• Drought
• Clay Soil
• Air Pollution

Potential Problems

Pests and diseases are a primary concern for most hawthorns, including this cultivar. Plants are notably susceptible to cedar-hawthorn and cedar-quince rusts if Eastern Red Cedars are present nearby, as well as fireblight. Other potential issues include fungal leaf spots, powdery mildew, and apple scab. Potential insect threats range from aphids and borers to scale and lacebugs. Proactive management, often involving targeted pesticide sprays when disease or pest pressure is high, may be necessary to keep the Cockspur thorn looking its best. Remember that CRUSADER is thankfully thornless, removing the handling risk associated with the species plant.

Frequently Asked Questions

What hardiness zones is Cockspur thorn suitable for?

Crataegus crus-galli ‘Cruzam’ CRUSADER is suitable for USDA Hardiness Zones 3 through 7.

How large does Cockspur thorn grow?

This tree typically reaches a mature height between 25 and 35 feet, with a corresponding spread of 25 to 35 feet.

What sun exposure does Crataegus crus-galli ‘Cruzam’ CRUSADER need?

This tree requires full sun exposure to perform optimally in the landscape.

When does Cockspur thorn bloom?

The Crataegus crus-galli ‘Cruzam’ CRUSADER blooms in May with beautiful white flowers.

Conclusion

The thornless Crataegus crus-galli ‘Cruzam’ CRUSADER provides exceptional ornamental value through its spring blooms and persistent fall fruit, all wrapped in a durable, pollution-tolerant package. This cultivar overcomes the safety issues of the native species, making the Cockspur thorn highly adaptable for residential planting. Before adding this excellent specimen to your yard, verify that your site is within USDA Zones 3-7 and plan for adequate sun exposure.

Companion Planting

When selecting companions for the Cockspur thorn, consider plants that share similar needs for full sun and medium moisture, while also complementing its structure without competing heavily for root space. Low-growing herbaceous perennials that offer summer bloom can provide excellent foreground interest beneath the medium canopy of the CRUSADER. For a woodland edge look, consider shade-tolerant groundcovers that can handle the dappled light if the tree is planted near taller specimens. Avoid planting near junipers or cedars if disease management is a major concern, due to the elevated risk of rust diseases spread between these hosts.

Wildlife Benefits

While the species form of Cockspur thorn produces fruit (haws) enjoyed by birds, the CRUSADER cultivar also offers attractive fall and winter interest through its deep red fruits. These persistent berries provide a vital late-season food source for many species of songbirds when other natural forage becomes scarce. Though the flowers may emit an unpleasant fragrance typical of the genus, they still attract early-season pollinators emerging in May. Planting this hardy tree supports local ecosystems while providing safe, thorn-free structure to your property borders.