Cockspur Hawthorn

About Cockspur Hawthorn

Cockspur Hawthorn is a rugged and handsome small tree that provides year-round interest and unparalleled security for nesting birds. Reaching heights of 20 to 30 feet, it features a broad, spreading canopy and distinctive horizontal branches armed with long, sharp thorns. In spring, the tree is smothered in clusters of white flowers, which are followed by small, red, apple-like fruits that often persist well into the winter. Its glossy, dark green leaves transform into a brilliant display of orange and scarlet in the fall. Native to central and eastern North America, it is a hardy species found in old fields, pastures, and woodland borders. The dense, thorny growth makes it a preferred nesting site for songbirds, while the flowers support numerous bee species and the fruit feeds wintering birds. Cockspur Hawthorn is highly adaptable, tolerating urban pollution and various soil types, though it performs best in full sun. It is an excellent choice for a specimen tree or a formidable natural barrier, provided it is planted away from high-traffic areas.