Crusader® Hawthorn

Crusader® Hawthorn is the trade selection for *Crataegus crus-galli* var. *inermis* ‘Cruzam’. The breeder lists Crusader® as thornless, disease resistant, spring flowering, and hardy in USDA zones 3–7; Cornell’s woody-plant database also identifies ‘Crusader’ as ‘Cruzam’. [Spring Meadow Nursery](https://springmeadownursery.com/plantfinder/crusader-crataegus) · [Cornell Woody Plants Database](https://woodyplants.cals.cornell.edu/cultivar/1342) ## Form and seasonal interest This deciduous hawthorn has white spring flowers, green foliage, and colorful fall foliage. The breeder gives a mature height of about 15 ft and a spread of 12–15 ft, which supports the existing approximate dimensions. It recommends a sunny site and lists specimen and street-tree uses; the cultivar’s thornless character makes it a more suitable option beside circulation areas than thorny Cockspur Hawthorn, while mature crown space is still needed. [Spring Meadow Nursery](https://springmeadownursery.com/plantfinder/crusader-crataegus) ## Maintenance Prune selectively as needed. Because the cultivar blooms on old wood, pruning after flowering removes the developing fruit crop. The breeder reports tolerance of varied soils and resistance to diseases that commonly affect the rose family; avoid treating that as immunity, particularly where disease pressure is high. Water while establishing and during prolonged drought, and follow local guidance for street-tree or urban planting conditions.