Crataegus crus-galli var. inermis: Uses (Ethnobotany)
The leaves, berries, and flowers are used in medicines and herbals for cardiovascular health. The wood is strong, tough, and heavy, but has little commercial value.
Plant Profile: Crataegus crus-galli var. inermis
Names
Cockspur Thorn, Hawthorn, Thornless Cockspur Hawthorn
Phonetic Spelling:kray-TAY-gus krus-GAY-lee IN-er-mis
Genus:Crataegus
Species:crus-galli
Family:Roseaceae
Crataegus, commonly known as Hawthorn, encompasses a diverse range of species and varieties that thrive in low-lying swamps and riverbanks, as well as on elevated mountain ridges across North Carolina. One notable variety is Crataegus crusgallii var. inermis, or Thornless Cockspur Hawthorn. This deciduous tree or shrub is recognized for its dense foliage, which offers substantial shade. Unlike its counterpart, C. crusgalli, which features 4-inch thorns, the 'inermis' variety is devoid of thorns.
This species is indigenous to North Carolina and other regions in North America. It typically reaches a medium to large height of approximately 20 to 30 feet, with a trunk diameter of about 9 inches, and it produces both flowers and small red berries that add vibrant color to gardens. The Thornless Cockspur Hawthorn thrives in average, moderately moist, well-drained soils under full sunlight, yet it can adapt to a variety of soil types, including those with good drainage, light shade, and some drought conditions. Characterized by its wide-spreading, low branches, this flowering tree or large shrub is versatile in different environments but favors moist, well-drained loamy soil. It is resilient to drought and urban settings, making it an excellent choice as a specimen tree in lawns, woodland gardens, or small group plantings. In May, the tree produces white flowers that later develop into red berries, which are generally unappealing to birds. In autumn, the leaves transform into a striking red, providing a stunning visual display. The plant responds well to pruning and can be cut back to older wood, encouraging new growth. It is frequently utilized as a hedge.
**Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Issues:**
Common insect pests include aphids, borers, caterpillars, lacebugs, leaf miners, red spider mites, and scale. Hawthorns are susceptible to various diseases, such as rusts, fire blight, fungal leaf spots, powdery mildew, cankers, apple scab, and blights.
For further details on Crataegus crus-galli, additional resources are available.
Crataegus crus-galli var. inermis Feature Summary
Crataegus crus-galli var. inermis Image Gallery
Tags
#white
#fall color
#drought tolerant
#white flowers
#wildlife plant
#native tree
#winter interest
#thornless
#flowering tree
#air pollution tolerant
#lawn tree
#food source
#low flammability
#NC native
#fire resistant
#edible fruits
#fall fruits
#larval host plant
#malodorus
#bird friendly
#nectar plant late spring
#butterfly friendly
#nectar plant mid-spring
#pollinator garden
#non-toxic for horses
#non-toxic for dogs
#non-toxic for cats
#woodlands
#red-spotted purple butterfly
#gray hairstreak butterfly
#viceroy butterflies
Similar Plants
Crataegus crus-galli var. inermis Feature Summary
Attributes
The leaves, berries, and flowers are used in medicines and herbals for cardiovascular health. The wood is strong, tough, and heavy, but has little commercial value.
Eastern North America, Canada to Georgia, west to Mississippi
Eastern North America
This plant provides nectar for pollinators. It is a larval host plant for Gray Hairstreak (Strymon melinus), Red-spotted Purple (Limenitis arthemis astyanax), and Viceroy (Limenitis archippus). Red-spotted Purple and Viceroy rarely use this host plant in North Carolina. Birds relish the fruits.
Fruits are edible but might be best left for the birds.
Perennial
Woody
Edible fruit
Wildlife Food Source
Attracts Pollinators
Wildlife Nesting
Wildlife Cover/Habitat
Screening
low flammability
Fruit
3/8" - 1/2" pome ripens to red and persists into late fall. Fruits are sometimes call "haws"
Pome
Red/Burgundy
Edible
Showy
Summer
Fall
< 1 inch
< 1 inch
Flowers
White flat 2 to 3 inch corymbs appear in mid spring and last about 1 week. 5 petaled 1/2 inch white flowers have an unpleasant fragrance. Flowers bloom from April to May.
White
Corymb
Fragrant
Spring
4-5 petals/rays
Radial
< 1 inch
Leaves
Glossy, dark green simple, alternate, serrate margins, obovate 1"-4" long and 1/3"-1 1/2" wide. Cuneate base, rounded apex. Bronze-red to orange fall color.
Deciduous
Green
Brown/Copper
Orange
Red/Burgundy
Simple
Alternate
Oblong
Obovate
Lobed
Serrate
1-3 inches
Glossy
Bark
Flat and plate-like
Light Gray
Smooth
Fissured
Round
Whole Plant Traits
Edible
Tree
Native Plant
Deciduous
Rounded
Pyramidal
Dense
Spreading
Horizontal
Medium
Medium
Medium
Cultural Conditions
Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
Acid (<6.0)
Alkaline (>8.0)
Neutral (6.0-8.0)
Good Drainage
Moist
24-60 feet
12-24 feet
Coastal
Mountains
Piedmont
4a
4b
5b
5a
6a
6b
7a
7b
3a
3b
Clay
High Organic Matter
Loam (Silt)
Sand
Shallow Rocky
Stem
Landscape
Edible Garden
Butterfly Garden
Pollinator Garden
Winter Garden
Native Garden
Border
Hedge
Mass Planting
Screen/Privacy
Small groups
Specimen
Flowering Tree
Drought
Pollution
Urban Conditions
Fire
Woodland
Slope/Bank
Butterflies
Pollinators
Songbirds
Frequent Disease Problems
Frequent Insect Problems
Crataegus crus-galli var. inermis Image Gallery
Crataegus crus-galli var. inermis Attributes
Crataegus crus-galli var. inermis: Country Or Region Of Origin
Eastern North America, Canada to Georgia, west to Mississippi
Crataegus crus-galli var. inermis: Distribution
Eastern North America
Crataegus crus-galli var. inermis: Wildlife Value
This plant provides nectar for pollinators. It is a larval host plant for Gray Hairstreak (Strymon melinus), Red-spotted Purple (Limenitis arthemis astyanax), and Viceroy (Limenitis archippus). Red-spotted Purple and Viceroy rarely use this host plant in North Carolina. Birds relish the fruits.
Crataegus crus-galli var. inermis: Edibility
Fruits are edible but might be best left for the birds.
Crataegus crus-galli var. inermis: Life Cycle
Annual
Biennial
Bulb
Perennial
Woody
Crataegus crus-galli var. inermis: Recommended Propagation Strategy
Division
Grafting
Layering
Leaf Cutting
Root Cutting
Seed
Stem Cutting
Crataegus crus-galli var. inermis: Play Value
Attractive Flowers
Attracts Pollinators
Buffer
Colorful
Defines Paths
Easy to Grow
Edible fruit
Fragrance
Pieces Used in Games
Screening
Shade
Sound
Textural
Wildlife Cover/Habitat
Wildlife Food Source
Wildlife Larval Host
Wildlife Nesting
Wind Break
Wind Shimmer
Crataegus crus-galli var. inermis: Fire Risk Rating
extreme flammability
high flammability
low flammability
medium flammability
Crataegus crus-galli var. inermis Fruit
Crataegus crus-galli var. inermis: Fruit Description
3/8" - 1/2" pome ripens to red and persists into late fall. Fruits are sometimes call "haws"
Crataegus crus-galli var. inermis: Fruit Type
Achene
Aggregate
Berry
Capsule
Caryopsis
Drupe
Follicle
Legume
Nut
Pome
Samara
Schizocarp
Siliqua
Crataegus crus-galli var. inermis: Fruit Color
Red/Burgundy
Crataegus crus-galli var. inermis: Fruit Value To Gardener
Edible
Fragrant
Good Cut
Good Dried
Long Bloom Season
Long-lasting
Showy
Crataegus crus-galli var. inermis: Display/Harvest Time
Fall
Spring
Summer
Winter
Crataegus crus-galli var. inermis: Fruit Length
< 1 inch
1-3 inches
> 3 inches
Crataegus crus-galli var. inermis: Fruit Width
< 1 inch
1-3 inches
> 3 inches
Crataegus crus-galli var. inermis Flowers
Crataegus crus-galli var. inermis: Flower Description
White flat 2 to 3 inch corymbs appear in mid spring and last about 1 week. 5 petaled 1/2 inch white flowers have an unpleasant fragrance. Flowers bloom from April to May.
Crataegus crus-galli var. inermis: Flower Color
White
Crataegus crus-galli var. inermis: Flower Inflorescence
Catkin
Corymb
Cyme
Head
Insignificant
Panicle
Raceme
Solitary
Spadix
Spike
Umbel
Crataegus crus-galli var. inermis: Flower Value To Gardener
Edible
Fragrant
Good Cut
Good Dried
Long Bloom Season
Long-lasting
Showy
Crataegus crus-galli var. inermis: Flower Bloom Time
Winter
Spring
Summer
Fall
Crataegus crus-galli var. inermis: Flower Petals
2-3 rays/petals
4-5 petals/rays
6 petals/rays
7 - 20 petals/rays
asymmetrical petals
Bracts
Colored Sepals
fused petals
more than 20 petals/rays
Tepals
Crataegus crus-galli var. inermis: Flower Shape
Bell
Cross
Crown
Cup
Dome
Funnel
Irregular
Lipped
Radial
Saucer
Star
Trumpet
Tubular
Urn
Wheel
Crataegus crus-galli var. inermis: Flower Size
1-3 inches
3-6 inches
< 1 inch
> 6 inches
Crataegus crus-galli var. inermis Leaves
Crataegus crus-galli var. inermis: Leaf Description
Glossy, dark green simple, alternate, serrate margins, obovate 1"-4" long and 1/3"-1 1/2" wide. Cuneate base, rounded apex. Bronze-red to orange fall color.
Crataegus crus-galli var. inermis: Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics
Broadleaf Evergreen
Deciduous
Needled Evergreen
Semi-evergreen
Crataegus crus-galli var. inermis: Leaf Color
Green
Crataegus crus-galli var. inermis: Deciduous Leaf Fall Color
Brown/Copper
Orange
Red/Burgundy
Crataegus crus-galli var. inermis: Leaf Type
Compound (Pinnately , Bipinnately, Palmately)
Fronds
Needles
Sheath
Simple
Crataegus crus-galli var. inermis: Leaf Arrangement
Alternate
Opposite
Other/more complex
Rosulate
Whorled
Crataegus crus-galli var. inermis: Leaf Shape
Acicular
Auriculate
Cordate
Cuneate
Deltoid
Elliptical
Filiform
Lanceolate
Linear
Oblanceolate
Oblong
Obovate
Obtuse
Orbicular
Ovate
Palmasect
Palmatifid
Peltate
Pinnatifid
Pinnatisect
Reniform
Rhomboidal
Spatulate
Subcordate
Subulate
Crataegus crus-galli var. inermis: Leaf Margin
Crenate
Crenulate
Dentate
Denticulate
Doubly Crenate
Doubly Dentate
Doubly Serrate
Entire
Lobed
Serrate
Sinuate
Undulate
Crataegus crus-galli var. inermis: Hairs Present
No
Yes
Crataegus crus-galli var. inermis: Leaf Length
< 1 inch
1-3 inches
3-6 inches
> 6 inches
Crataegus crus-galli var. inermis: Leaf Feel
Fleshy
Glossy
Leathery
Papery
Prickly
Rough
Rubbery
Slippery
Smooth
Soft
Velvety
Waxy
Crataegus crus-galli var. inermis Bark
Crataegus crus-galli var. inermis: Bark Description
Flat and plate-like
Crataegus crus-galli var. inermis: Bark Color
Light Gray
Crataegus crus-galli var. inermis: Surface/Attachment
Bumpy
Exfoliating
Fissured
Furrowed
Lenticels
Papery
Patchy
Peeling
Ridges
Scaly
Shaggy
Shiny
Shredding
Smooth
Spongy
Crataegus crus-galli var. inermis: Bark Plate Shape
Diamond
Irregular
Oval
Rectangle
Round
Square
Crataegus crus-galli var. inermis Whole Plant Traits
Crataegus crus-galli var. inermis: Plant Type
Annual
Bulb
Carnivorous
Edible
Epiphyte
Fern
Ground Cover
Herb
Herbaceous Perennial
Houseplant
Mushroom
Native Plant
Ornamental Grasses and Sedges
Perennial
Poisonous
Rose
Shrub
Succulent
Tree
Turfgrass
Vegetable
Vine
Water Plant
Weed
Wildflower
Crataegus crus-galli var. inermis: Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics
Broadleaf Evergreen
Deciduous
Needled Evergreen
Semi-evergreen
Crataegus crus-galli var. inermis: Habit/Form
Arching
Ascending
Broad
Cascading
Climbing
Clumping
Columnar
Conical
Creeping
Dense
Erect
Horizontal
Irregular
Mounding
Multi-stemmed
Multi-trunked
Open
Oval
Prostrate
Pyramidal
Rounded
Spreading
Vase
Weeping
Crataegus crus-galli var. inermis: Growth Rate
Slow
Medium
Rapid
Crataegus crus-galli var. inermis: Maintenance
Low
Medium
High
Crataegus crus-galli var. inermis: Texture
Fine
Medium
Coarse
Crataegus crus-galli var. inermis Cultural Conditions
Crataegus crus-galli var. inermis: Light
Dappled Sunlight (Shade through upper canopy all day)
Deep shade (Less than 2 hours to no direct sunlight)
Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
Crataegus crus-galli var. inermis: Soil pH
Acid (<6.0)
Alkaline (>8.0)
Neutral (6.0-8.0)
Crataegus crus-galli var. inermis: Soil Drainage
Frequent Standing Water
Good Drainage
Moist
Occasional Flooding
Occasionally Dry
Occasionally Wet
Very Dry
Crataegus crus-galli var. inermis: Available Space To Plant
12 inches-3 feet
12-24 feet
24-60 feet
3 feet-6 feet
6-feet-12 feet
Less than 12 inches
more than 60 feet
Crataegus crus-galli var. inermis: NC Region
Coastal
Mountains
Piedmont
Crataegus crus-galli var. inermis: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone
3a
3b
4a
4b
5a
5b
6a
6b
7a
7b
Crataegus crus-galli var. inermis: Soil Texture
Clay
High Organic Matter
Loam (Silt)
Sand
Shallow Rocky
Crataegus crus-galli var. inermis Stem
Crataegus crus-galli var. inermis: Stem Is Aromatic
No
Yes
Crataegus crus-galli var. inermis Landscape
Crataegus crus-galli var. inermis: Landscape Theme
Asian Garden
Butterfly Garden
Children's Garden
Cottage Garden
Cutting Garden
Drought Tolerant Garden
Edible Garden
English Garden
Fairy Garden
Garden for the Blind
Native Garden
Nighttime Garden
Pollinator Garden
Rain Garden
Rock Garden
Shade Garden
Water Garden
Winter Garden
Crataegus crus-galli var. inermis: Design Feature
Accent
Barrier
Border
Flowering Tree
Foundation Planting
Hedge
Mass Planting
Screen/Privacy
Security
Shade Tree
Small groups
Small Tree
Specimen
Street Tree
Understory Tree
Crataegus crus-galli var. inermis: Resistance To Challenges
Black Walnut
Compaction
Deer
Diseases
Drought
Dry Soil
Erosion
Fire
Foot Traffic
Heat
Heavy Shade
Humidity
Insect Pests
Pollution
Poor Soil
Rabbits
Salt
Slugs
Squirrels
Storm damage
Urban Conditions
Voles
Wet Soil
Wind
Crataegus crus-galli var. inermis: Landscape Location
Coastal
Container
Hanging Baskets
Houseplants
Lawn
Meadow
Naturalized Area
Near Septic
Patio
Pond
Pool/Hardscape
Recreational Play Area
Riparian
Rock Wall
Slope/Bank
Small Space
Vertical Spaces
Walkways
Woodland
Crataegus crus-galli var. inermis: Attracts
Bats
Bees
Butterflies
Frogs
Hummingbirds
Moths
Pollinators
Predatory Insects
Reptiles
Small Mammals
Songbirds
Specialized Bees
Crataegus crus-galli var. inermis: Problems
Allelopathic
Contact Dermatitis
Frequent Disease Problems
Frequent Insect Problems
Invasive Species
Malodorous
Messy
Poisonous to Humans
Problem for Cats
Problem for Children
Problem for Dogs
Problem for Horses
Short-lived
Spines/Thorns
Weak Wood
Weedy
