Crataegus monogyna 'Ferox'
hawthorn 'Ferox'
A large shrub or small tree, up to 8m high, with lobed leaves and creamy-white scented flowers in late spring or early summer, followed by red fruits in autumn. It differs from the species in having clusters of thorns at the stem nodes; vigorous juvenile shoots, particularly after hard pruning, can appear like lengths of barbed wire
Size
Ultimate height
4–8 metresTime to ultimate height
20–50 yearsUltimate spread
4–8 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Cream White | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | |||
| Autumn | Green Yellow | Red | ||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or North–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H7Botanical details
- Family
- Rosaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Bushy, Spreading branched
- Potentially harmful
- Seeds contain toxins so these should be removed if you are considering eating the fruit, usually grown as an ornamental shrub Pets: Fruit are ornamental - not to be eaten - see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants for further information and useful contact numbers
- Genus
Crataegus are deciduous trees and shrubs, usually with spiny branches, lobed or toothed leaves, and clusters of creamy-white flowers followed by red or black fruits. Some have fine autumn colour
- Name status
Accepted
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in any (not waterlogged) soil in full sun or part shade. Useful specimen trees for town, coastal or exposed gardens. See hawthorn cultivation for further advice
Propagation
Propagate by grafting, using scion wood of the previous season's growth, onto rootstocks of Crataegus laevigata or C. monogyna
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- Coastal
- Wildlife gardens
- Hedging and screens
- Edible fruit
Pruning
Pests
May be susceptible to caterpillars, aphids and gall mites
Diseases
May be susceptible to fireblight, honey fungus, crown gall, silver leaf, Powdery mildews and leaf spots
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.