Cockspur Thorn
Crataegus crus-galli
Educational content — not medical, botanical, or professional advice. Always consult a qualified clinician before using any herbal preparation — especially during pregnancy, breastfeeding, while on medication, or for children. How we source & review →
Pl. B230 — Crataegus crus-galli
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IOverview
Overview
Cockspur Thorn (Crataegus crus-galli) is a deciduous tree or shrub native to the eastern United States and Ontario. It thrives in various habitats across its range, including Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Nebraska, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. Known for both its ornamental value and edible fruit, this plant can be found in full to partial sun with a preference for dry, moist, or wet soils of light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay) types. It is hardy from zones 4-7 and grows up to 10 meters tall. One distinctive feature of the Cockspur Thorn is its thorny branches and spurs, which give it a protective appearance. The plant's fruit can be enjoyed by humans and wildlife alike.
Quick answers
What is Cockspur Thorn?
Cockspur Thorn (Crataegus crus-galli) is a deciduous tree or shrub native to the eastern United States and Ontario.
What is Cockspur Thorn used for?
Traditionally used for immune support. Each claim is evidence-rated — see Section II for full citations.
Best for
Top 1 evidence-ranked use of Cockspur Thorn
Clinicaluses · safety · chemistry · dosagemedicinal profile
IIBenefits & evidence
1 claim · 0 sources
Benefits & evidence
1 claim · 0 sources- Traditional-use note: Cockspur Thorn appears in herbal sources around seasonal wellness traditions, often as a traditional preparation. PlantSage presents this as ethnobotanical context, not as medical advice.
Traditional context only. This reviewed claim keeps the original low confidence level, but avoids treatment, disease, dosage, or guaranteed-effect language.
IV·bMixology suggestions
1 draft
Mixology suggestions
1 draftEditorial drafts. These pairings are AI-suggested from traditional herbal lore. Always verify with a qualified herbalist before brewing.
Cockspur Thorn support blend
generaltea
AI returned a direct ingredient list; normalized into one draft blend for editorial review.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Cockspur Thorn thrives in full to partial sun and prefers moist to dry soil types, ranging from light (sandy) to heavy (clay). It is hardy in zones 4-7 and can grow up to 10 meters tall as a tree or shrub. Propagate via seed or cutting. This plant is native to several eastern U.S. states and is known for its edible fruit.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade
Water
Dry, Moist, Wet
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
4-7
Habit
Tree, Shrub
Mature size
10.0 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Cockspur Thorn for the first time
7steps
Start with a Cockspur Thorn as a simple, hardy tree for your garden.
- 1
What you'll need
A Cockspur Thorn sapling or seedling.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring after the last frost or fall before the first freeze.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Choose a location with well-draining soil, either in the ground or a large pot. Ensure the pot has drainage holes.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Transplant a sapling from a nursery or plant seeds 0.5-1 inch deep and 2-3 feet apart.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Monitor for pests and diseases.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water deeply once a week, especially during dry spells. Prune in late winter to maintain shape and remove dead branches.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune annually in late winter to encourage healthy growth and remove any damaged or diseased branches.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Fruit
Edible uses: The fruit of the Cockspur Thorn (Crataegus crus-galli) is edible and can be eaten raw or used in various preparations such as jams, jellies, and syrups. The fruits are typically harvested when ripe and can also be dried for later use.
Other uses:HedgerowLumberEspalierFragrance
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
30 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
30 native · 0 introducedDistribution across1 continent· 30 native
Asia1 region
native (1)Georgia
Broader regions
native:Nebraska, Ohio, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, New York, Oklahoma, Ontario, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin, North Carolina, Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Kentucky, Louisiana, Masachusettes, Mexico Northeast
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXSee also
8 related
See also
8 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family, common use cases, and growing requirements.
shared use cases
Different families, similar therapeutic role — good for comparing.
XI
Explore further
Companion planting
Compare with similar plants
Growing zone
XII
About this entry
- Last updated
- Citation
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