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 World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).

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.

Fire-berry Hawthorn

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Crataegus chrysocarpa

Last reviewed: August 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

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 445 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

Find rebates in your area

Browse plants for this ecoregion

North American Deserts Northwestern Forested Mountains Southern Rockies High Plains Northwestern Glaciated Plains Northwestern Great Plains Northern Glaciated Plains Western Corn Belt Plains Great Plains Northern Forests Northern Lakes and Forests North Central Hardwood Forests Driftless Area Southeastern Wisconsin Till Plains

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 World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
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 World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). 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.

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