Frosted Hawthorn
Crataegus pruinosa
Last reviewed: July 2026
Frosted Hawthorn (Crataegus pruinosa) 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"–300" H × 120"–240" W
Bloom
Apr, May
Native to
AL, AR, CT, DE and 32 more states
Pollinators
bees, beetles, flies
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Frosted hawthorn is a small to medium native tree that produces clusters of white flowers in spring followed by small red fruits. This deciduous tree develops an attractive rounded canopy and provides seasonal interest with spring blooms, summer shade, and fall color.
In an HOA neighborhood
Frosted 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.
- Very large mature size (10-20 feet) may overwhelm front yards
- Thorny branches create maintenance challenges
- Can appear irregular and wild without regular pruning
Wildlife value
The spring flowers attract bees, beetles, and flies for pollination. The small fruits provide food for birds, and the dense branching offers nesting sites for various songbird species.
Common questions
- How much sun does Frosted Hawthorn need?
- Frosted Hawthorn grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Frosted Hawthorn bloom?
- Frosted Hawthorn blooms in April and May.
- Where is Frosted Hawthorn native?
- Frosted Hawthorn (Crataegus pruinosa) is native to AL, AR, CT, DE and 32 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
- Is Frosted Hawthorn toxic to dogs?
- Frosted Hawthorn is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs (aspca.org).
- Is Frosted Hawthorn toxic to cats?
- Frosted Hawthorn is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for cats (aspca.org).
- What pollinators does Frosted Hawthorn attract?
- Frosted Hawthorn draws bees, beetles, and flies.
- Is Frosted Hawthorn HOA-friendly?
- Frosted 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 Frosted 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