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Crataegus persimilis 'Prunifolia'
  • RHS AGM

broad-leaved cockspur thorn 'Prunifolia'

A small, broad-crowned deciduous tree with long thorns and glossy broad-oval leaves which turn a dramatic red and orange colour in the autumn. White flowers in spring are followed by deep red fruits in the autumn

Other common names
plum-leaved thorn
Synonyms
Crataegus persimilis 'MacLeod'
Crataegus prunifolia
see moreCrataegus crus-galli misapplied
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Size
Ultimate height
4–8 metres
Time to ultimate height
20–50 years
Ultimate spread
Wider than 8 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring White Green
Summer Green
Autumn Orange Red Red
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

South–facing or North–facing or West–facing or East–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H7
Botanical details
Family
Rosaceae
Native to the UK
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Bushy
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

Grows well in most soils in sun or partial shade

Propagation

Propagate by seed or grafting

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Low Maintenance
Pruning

Pruning group 1

Pests

May be susceptible to caterpillars, gall mites and aphids

Diseases

Generally disease-free but may be susceptible to a leaf spot, fireblight and honey fungus

Get involved

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