A broad spreading tree that is armed with long, pointed thorns.
Pronunciation
(kra-TEE-gus)(krus-GA-li)
Plant Type
All Plants, Trees Deciduous
Hardiness Zone
4-7
Sunlight
full
Moisture
average
Soil & Site
average
Flowers
white inflorescence
Fruit
pome-like drupe, reds
Leaves
lack lobes, dark glossy green, bronze red to purplish red in fall
Stems
bark fibrous shredding
Dimensions
20-30 by 20-25 feet (HS)
Propagation
seeds
Misc Facts
"Genus name comes from the Greek name for the tree. From kratos meaning strength for its strong, hard wood. Crus-galli in Latin means leg of a cock in reference to the purported resemblance of the thorns of this plant to a cock’s spurs. The specific epithet of this plant is sometimes also designated as crusgall". (#144)
Notes & Reference
#01-Manual of Woody Landscape Plants (Michael Dirr), #110-Hawthorns and Medlars (James Phipps), #144-Missouri Botanical Gardens web site (www.missouribotanicalgarden.org)