Content Detail

This variety of cockspur hawthorn has thornless stems. It displays beautiful white flowers in spring and persistent fruit in fall and winter.

  • Family (English) Rose
  • Family (botanic) Rosaceae
  • Planting site City parkway, Residential and parks, Wide median
  • Tree or plant type Tree
  • Foliage Deciduous (seasonally loses leaves)
  • Native locale Chicago area, Illinois, North America
  • Size range Small tree (15-25 feet), Medium tree (25-40 feet)
  • Mature height 20-30 feet
  • Mature width 20-35 feet
  • Light exposure Full sun (6 hrs direct light daily)
  • Hardiness zones Zone 3, Zone 4, Zone 5 (Northern Illinois), Zone 6 (City of Chicago), Zone 7
  • Soil preference Moist, well-drained soil
  • Drought tolerance Tolerant
  • Other tolerances Alkaline soil, clay soil, Dry sites, Road salt, Wet sites
  • Season of interest early winter, midwinter, early spring, mid spring, late spring, late summer, early fall, mid fall, late fall
  • Flower color and fragrance White
  • Shape or form Broad, Round
  • Growth rate Moderate
  • Transplants well No
  • Wildlife Game birds, Migrant birds, Nesting birds, Songbirds
  • Has cultivars NA

More Information

Native Geographic Location and Habitat  

Thornless cockspur hawthorn is a naturally occurring variety of a native species. C-Value 2.

Bark Description

The bark is rough and slightly shaggy with age. 

Leaf Description

The simple, alternate leaves are 1 to 4 inches long. They are dark, glossy green, rounded at the tip and narrow at the base. Fall color is purplish.

Flower Description

Flowers are unpleasantly scented. The small creamy white flowers form in broad, flat clusters and appear in late spring.

Fruit Description

This tree yields persistent red fruits (pomes).

Donate

Your support is vital to the Arboretum, where the power of trees makes a positive impact on people’s lives.

Make a gift