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Frosted Hawthorn

Crataegus pruinosa

Last reviewed: June 2026

Frosted Hawthorn (Crataegus pruinosa)
Photo: (c) Étienne Léveillé-Bourret, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Étienne Léveillé-Bourret

Frosted Hawthorn (Crataegus pruinosa) is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs or cats (aspca.org, 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

MS

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.

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.

Does Frosted Hawthorn fit your yard? Open it in Pollinator Patch to check it against your sun, soil, and HOA-conscious filters.