Clarkton Hawthorn

Crataegus crus-galli

Native to:
Canada, Mexico, United States

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Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Rosaceae
Genus:
Crataegus
Species:
Crataegus crus-galli
USDA Symbol:
CRHE3

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Perennial
Growth Habit:
Shrub , Tree
Height:
900 cm
Light Requirements:
Full Sun,Part Shade,Shade
Drought Tolerance:
High
Bloom Months:
may,jun
Bloom Colors:
white
Landscaping Shrub:
Yes

Keystone Species Ranking

Caterpillar Keystone:
★★★★★ Butterfly & moth species supported by this genus (NWF)

Host Plant for Caterpillars

Cecropia moth (Hyalophora cecropia)

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:
birds, small mammals, pollinators
Deer Resistant:
Yes
Salt Tolerant:
Yes
Fall Color:
orange, red, bronze
Fire Ecology:
Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire
Fire Notes:
Resprouts from the root crown following fire. Thick bark provides some protection on mature specimens.

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:
Warm then cold/moist stratification (double dormancy) — 120–180 days
Scarification:
Seed coat scarification required before sowing
Germination Time:
365–730 days
Notes:
Hawthorn seeds exhibit deep double dormancy; may take 2 years to germinate. Acid scarification followed by warm then cold stratification improves results.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI

Pre-treatment: Cold-moist stratification for 30 days at 1–5°C (34–41°F).; then Cold-moist stratification for 60 days.

Source: Claude AI

ORGHPS Germination Guide: Sow @ 20C 6 wks then 4C 6 wks then slowly raise to 10C 6 wks. Repeat if no germination.

Source: Ontario Rock Garden & Hardy Plant Society