Spells with concentration question

[Octavious]

I have a question about spells which require concentration. When one casts the spell and holding concentration .. does the spell end when it performs its function or does it continue to be held for the duration and do damage time after time until it ends. ? here is an example I was wondering about..

Hail of Thorns.. does it end when a creature is damaged by it ? or does it continue for the whole minute ??



Hail of Thorns
(1st-level conjuration)

Casting Time: 1 bonus action

Range: Self

Components: V

Duration: Concentration, up to 1 minute

The next time you hit a creature with a ranged weapon attack before the spell ends, this spell creates a rain of thorns that sprouts from your ranged weapon or ammunition. In addition to the normal effect of the attack, the target of the attack and each creature within 5 feet of it must make a Dexterity saving throw. A creature takes 1d10 piercing damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one.

At Higher Levels. If you cast this spell using a spell slot of 2nd level or higher, the damage increases by 1d10 for each slot level above 1st (to a maximum of 6d10).

[spite]

The concentration is you maintaining the "charge" of said spell for up to 1 minute. You can miss 9 rounds in a row, and in the 10th round, hit and the spell would go off, or you can hit the first time and the spell would go off and be consumed in the same way.
The language is in "The next time you hit a creature with a ranged weapon attack before the spell ends" once that has been fulfilled, the spell is spent. Otherwise it would say "every time you hit a creature..."

[Zacchaeus]

Indeed, in your example it is as spite says. It does depend on the wording of the spell; for example take a look at 'Bless'. In that case the spell continues for the full minute unless the caster's concentration is broken.

[Octavious]

Thanks for the info guys.. that cleared it up for me ..