Crusader® Thornless Hawthorn
Crataegus crus-galli var. inermis ‘Cruzam’
Diversity of tree genera is a key to urban forest health, and hawthorns, or the Crataegus genus, are a significant addition. Specifically, the Crusader® Hawthorn, Crataegus crus-galli var. inermis ‘Cruzam’ has stood out for us in recent years. You are familiar with hawthorn trees for their toughness and thorns, hence the name. Fortunately for arborists and nursery growers, the ‘Crusader®’ is a thornless selection while retaining its toughness.
Most hawthorn species are small to medium trees. The ‘Crusader®’ hawthorn may reach 20 to 25 feet tall and wide with a broad and round crown. Typical of many trees, the central leader is usually lost without training or corrective pruning. Branching will eventually grow in all directions, but usually, limbs are well attached with no inclusions, growing with the goal to fill the crown.
The attributes of this tree include small shiny or glossy paddle-shaped leaves with a hint of rust color when emerging. The smaller white flowers are in bundles and can provide an impressive display in mid-spring central to the leaves. By late summer, the flowers emerge into tiny apple-like fruit throughout the crown, bringing birds to the feast. Hawthorn bark is smooth and silvery when young, becoming furrowed and roughened as it ages. Some people have expressed displeasure with the flower fragrance, hard to describe, but it does not seem to carry very far or last too long. The fall color will likely be more dramatic in the colder dryer climates.
Hawthorns in general, as well as the ‘Crusader®’ transplant easily from nursery stock, as we have observed in the nursery and reports from contractors. The wood and branching are resilient to pruning, an important quality for an urban tree that is planted under powerlines or along sidewalks. They will grow in the most difficult locations and soils, such as in full sun or urban pollution, but, of course, will do better in protected and well-drained deep soils. Literature describes them as drought-tolerant, which is my own experience with all hawthorns, and we have found this one to be disease resistant. This tree is moderate to slow growing without an overly aggressive root system, a plus for planting in urban areas.
Although it will not get taller than twenty-five feet, it will require space for its broad crown that can be kept under control by pruning, although proper placement to the available site is more appropriate. It is ideal to grow under power lines and in corridors where blocking potential views might be an issue for homeowners. Crusader® thornless hawthorn is also part of the Proven Winters® Color Choice® Trees program. Planted in the right spot, this tree will prosper for a lifetime with minimal care.
As always, let us know your experience with this tree as well as any others.
James M. Barborinas
Urban Forestry Services | Bartlett Consulting & Urban Forest Nursery, Inc.
[email protected]
www.urbanforestnursery.com
ASCA Registered Consulting Arborist #356
ISA Certified Arborist #PN-0135