When does Pear-Fruited Cockspur-Thorn bloom?

This hawthorn produces its clusters of white flowers in May and June, with bloom timing varying slightly by local climate and elevation.

What pollinators visit Crataegus coccinea flowers?

The spring flowers attract bees, beetles, and flies, which move between blossoms for nectar and pollen and help set the small pome fruits.

How much sun and water does this tree need?

It grows best in full sun to part shade and prefers medium soil moisture, though established trees can handle drier spells once rooted.

Does Pear-Fruited Cockspur-Thorn lose its leaves in winter?

Yes, it is a deciduous tree, dropping its leaves each fall and leafing out again in spring.

What kind of tree form does it have?

Crataegus coccinea grows as a small to medium tree, typically with a rounded crown and thorny branches typical of the hawthorn group.

Is Pear-Fruited Cockspur-Thorn HOA-friendly?

Pear-Fruited Cockspur-Thorn is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.

Pear-Fruited Cockspur-Thorn

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Crataegus coccinea

Last reviewed: September 2026

Crataegus coccinea, the pear-fruited cockspur-thorn, is a deciduous tree that blooms in May and June and grows well in full sun with medium water in woodland edges and hedgerows across the northeastern and midwestern United States.

Pear-Fruited Cockspur-Thorn (Crataegus coccinea) is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs or cats (aspca.org (opens in new tab), last reviewed 2026-05-21). If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

Light

full sun

Water

medium

Size

180"–360" H × 120"–240" W

Bloom

May, Jun

Native to

CT, IL, IN, KY and 15 more states

Pollinators

bees, beetles, flies

Before you buy

Your city may pay you to plant this

Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 452 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Northern Lakes and Forests Driftless Area Southeastern Wisconsin Till Plains Central Corn Belt Plains Eastern Corn Belt Plains Southern Michigan/Northern Indiana Drift Plains Huron/Erie Lake Plains Northeastern Highlands Northeastern Coastal Zone Northern Allegheny Plateau Erie Drift Plain Northern Forests Northern Piedmont Ridge and Valley Western Allegheny Plateau Acadian Plains and Hills Eastern Great Lakes Lowlands

Scarlet hawthorn is a small to medium native tree that produces clusters of white flowers in late spring followed by bright red berries. This deciduous tree develops an attractive rounded crown and provides seasonal interest with spring blooms, summer fruit, and fall color.

Growing Pear-Fruited Cockspur-Thorn

Grow Pear-Fruited Cockspur-Thorn in full sun and medium water. Mature plants reach 180 to 360 inches tall and spread 120 to 240 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.

In an HOA neighborhood

Pear-Fruited Cockspur-Thorn is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 4 out of 5.

Works well in: front yard, mid zone, street edge.

Thorny branches may be concern near walkways
Fruit drop can create minor cleanup needs

Wildlife value

The flowers attract bees, beetles, and flies for pollination in May and June. The red berries provide food for birds, and the thorny branches offer nesting sites and protection for wildlife.

Common questions

When does Pear-Fruited Cockspur-Thorn bloom?: This hawthorn produces its clusters of white flowers in May and June, with bloom timing varying slightly by local climate and elevation.
What pollinators visit Crataegus coccinea flowers?: The spring flowers attract bees, beetles, and flies, which move between blossoms for nectar and pollen and help set the small pome fruits.
How much sun and water does this tree need?: It grows best in full sun to part shade and prefers medium soil moisture, though established trees can handle drier spells once rooted.
Does Pear-Fruited Cockspur-Thorn lose its leaves in winter?: Yes, it is a deciduous tree, dropping its leaves each fall and leafing out again in spring.
What kind of tree form does it have?: Crataegus coccinea grows as a small to medium tree, typically with a rounded crown and thorny branches typical of the hawthorn group.
Is Pear-Fruited Cockspur-Thorn toxic to dogs?: Pear-Fruited Cockspur-Thorn is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs (aspca.org).
Is Pear-Fruited Cockspur-Thorn toxic to cats?: Pear-Fruited Cockspur-Thorn is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for cats (aspca.org).
Is Pear-Fruited Cockspur-Thorn HOA-friendly?: Pear-Fruited Cockspur-Thorn is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.

These answers were drafted with an AI model from this plant's data. Verify care details with a local expert.

Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

If something looks wrong

Common plant problems, and what to check first

These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.

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Ready to grow Pear-Fruited Cockspur-Thorn? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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