Quick answer: Cockspur hawthorn (Crataegus crus-galli) is native to 25 states. What's commonly sold under this name is the true wild species. It's typically seed, verified 04 Nov 2026.
Photo: Nadiatalent, Wikimedia Commons (PUBLIC DOMAIN)
Where it's native
Listed in the directory as native to these states. Click a state for its full native-plant guide.
Growing conditions
From the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center Native Plant Database.
| Sun | Sun, Part Shade, Shade |
|---|---|
| Water | Low water, Dry-Moist |
| Soil | Moist, well-drained soils - sandy loam, clay loam, clay |
| Bloom | Bloom May-Jun |
| Height | 20-35 ft tall |
| Wildlife value | Cover, nesting material, fruit for birds/mammals, larval host for 5 hairstreak species, special value to native bees |
Plant has thorns or prickles
Buying it
Sold true to the wild species as of the last check (04 Nov 2026), via Amazon.
Sold as: Seed via Amazon · listing verified 04 Nov 2026
See where to buy →Quick answers about Cockspur hawthorn
Where is Cockspur hawthorn native?
Cockspur hawthorn (Crataegus crus-galli) is native to 25 states across the Northeast, Midwest and South. Check your state's page in this directory for the full list of plants native where you live.
When does Cockspur hawthorn bloom?
Cockspur hawthorn blooms May-Jun. Exact timing shifts a few weeks with latitude and elevation.
What growing conditions does Cockspur hawthorn need?
Light: Sun, Part Shade, Shade. Water: Low water, Dry-Moist. Soil: Moist, well-drained soils - sandy loam, clay loam, clay. Mature height: 20-35 ft tall.
Is Cockspur hawthorn good for pollinators and wildlife?
Yes. Wildlife value: Cover, nesting material, fruit for birds/mammals, larval host for 5 hairstreak species, special value to native bees.
Is Cockspur hawthorn deer-resistant or drought-tolerant?
Cockspur hawthorn is drought-tolerant and tolerates shade.
Is Cockspur hawthorn toxic?
Plant has thorns or prickles.
Where can I buy real Cockspur hawthorn seed or plants?
We found a listing sold as seed that names the true species, last checked 04 Nov 2026. Look for the scientific name Crataegus crus-galli on any listing.
Similar native plants
Native plants that share growing conditions or range with Cockspur hawthorn.
- Common hoptree Ptelea trifoliata
- Blackjack oak Quercus marilandica
- Shortleaf pine Pinus echinata
- Common winterberry Ilex verticillata
- Black cherry Prunus serotina
- White ash Fraxinus americana
Also listed under
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