How much sun does River Hawthorn need?

River Hawthorn grows best in full sun conditions.

When does River Hawthorn bloom?

River Hawthorn blooms in May and June.

Where is River Hawthorn native?

River Hawthorn (Crataegus rivularis) is native to AZ, CO, ID, NM and 3 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).

What pollinators does River Hawthorn attract?

River Hawthorn draws bees, beetles, and flies.

Is River Hawthorn HOA-friendly?

River Hawthorn is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with moderate maintenance.

River Hawthorn

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Crataegus rivularis

Last reviewed: September 2026

River Hawthorn (Crataegus rivularis) is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs or cats (aspca.org (opens in new tab), last reviewed 2026-08-15). If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

Light

full sun

Water

medium

Size

120"–240" H × 120"–240" W

Bloom

May, Jun

Native to

AZ, CO, ID, NM and 3 more states

Pollinators

bees, beetles, flies

Before you buy

Your city may pay you to plant this

Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 452 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

North American Deserts Central Basin and Range Northwestern Forested Mountains Southern Rockies Arizona/New Mexico Mountains

River hawthorn is a native shrub that produces clusters of white flowers in late spring followed by small red berries. This large, rounded shrub can reach 10-20 feet in both height and width, making it suitable for larger landscape areas where it can develop its natural form.

In an HOA neighborhood

River Hawthorn is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: moderate. Tidiness: 3 out of 5.

Works well in: mid zone, backyard only.

Very large mature size may overwhelm smaller yards
Thorny branches require careful placement away from walkways
Can look irregular without pruning

Wildlife value

The spring flowers attract bees, beetles, and flies for pollination. The red berries provide food for birds and other wildlife in late summer and fall.

Common questions

How much sun does River Hawthorn need?: River Hawthorn grows best in full sun conditions.
When does River Hawthorn bloom?: River Hawthorn blooms in May and June.
Where is River Hawthorn native?: River Hawthorn (Crataegus rivularis) is native to AZ, CO, ID, NM and 3 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
Is River Hawthorn toxic to dogs?: River Hawthorn is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs (aspca.org).
Is River Hawthorn toxic to cats?: River Hawthorn is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for cats (aspca.org).
What pollinators does River Hawthorn attract?: River Hawthorn draws bees, beetles, and flies.
Is River Hawthorn HOA-friendly?: River Hawthorn is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with moderate maintenance.

Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

If something looks wrong

Common plant problems, and what to check first

These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.

See all plant problem guides

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