Fire-berry Hawthorn
Crataegus chrysocarpa
Last reviewed: June 2026
Fire-berry Hawthorn (Crataegus chrysocarpa) is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs or cats (aspca.org (opens in new tab), last reviewed 2026-05-21). If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.
Light
full sun
Water
medium
Size
180"–360" H × 180"–360" W
Bloom
May, Jun
Native to
CO, CT, IA, IL and 22 more states
Pollinators
bees, beetles, flies
Fire-berry hawthorn is a large native shrub that produces clusters of white flowers in late spring followed by bright red berries. This robust plant can reach 15-30 feet in both height and width, making it suitable for larger landscape areas where it has room to spread.
In an HOA neighborhood
Fire-berry Hawthorn takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: moderate. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Extremely large mature size inappropriate for most residential yards
- Thorny branches may be considered safety hazard
- Can appear unkempt without regular pruning
Wildlife value
The spring flowers attract bees, beetles, and flies for pollination. The red berries provide food for birds and other wildlife throughout fall and winter.
Common questions
- How much sun does Fire-berry Hawthorn need?
- Fire-berry Hawthorn grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Fire-berry Hawthorn bloom?
- Fire-berry Hawthorn blooms in May and June.
- Where is Fire-berry Hawthorn native?
- Fire-berry Hawthorn (Crataegus chrysocarpa) is native to CO, CT, IA, IL and 22 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
- Is Fire-berry Hawthorn toxic to dogs?
- Fire-berry Hawthorn is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs (aspca.org).
- Is Fire-berry Hawthorn toxic to cats?
- Fire-berry Hawthorn is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for cats (aspca.org).
- What pollinators does Fire-berry Hawthorn attract?
- Fire-berry Hawthorn draws bees, beetles, and flies.
- Is Fire-berry Hawthorn HOA-friendly?
- Fire-berry Hawthorn takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Ready to grow Fire-berry Hawthorn? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz