Hawthorn
Crataegus monogyna
Last reviewed: October 2026
Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna) 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.
The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Hawthorn as toxic to livestock.
Light
part shade
Water
medium
Size
180"–360" H × 180"–360" W
Bloom
May, Jun
Pollinators
bees, beetles, flies
Native alternatives to Hawthorn
Hawthorn is not native to the United States. These natives fill a similar role in a planting, matched on bloom season, bloom color and mature size.
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 459 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
Find rebates in your areaPicture natives in your own yard
Wondering what could grow where Hawthorn is now? Upload a photo of the spot and Patch Vision shows a rendering of it replanted with natives for your region.
Common hawthorn is a small to medium-sized deciduous tree with an attractive rounded crown and fragrant white flowers in late spring. It produces small red berries in fall and has thorny branches that provide good security screening. The tree is quite adaptable to various soil conditions and moderate water requirements.
In an HOA neighborhood
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: front yard, mid zone, street edge.
- Thorny branches may be concern near walkways
- Fallen berries can create minor cleanup
Wildlife value
The spring flowers attract bees, beetles, and flies for pollination. Birds feed on the red berries in fall, and the thorny branches provide excellent nesting sites and protection for smaller songbirds.
Common questions
- How much sun does Hawthorn need?
- Hawthorn grows best in part shade conditions.
- When does Hawthorn bloom?
- Hawthorn blooms in May and June.
- Is Hawthorn toxic to dogs?
- Hawthorn is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs (aspca.org).
- Is Hawthorn toxic to cats?
- Hawthorn is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for cats (aspca.org).
- Is Hawthorn toxic to livestock?
- The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Hawthorn as toxic to livestock.
- What pollinators does Hawthorn attract?
- Hawthorn draws bees, beetles, and flies.
- Is Hawthorn HOA-friendly?
- Hawthorn takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
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.
- It is dying right after planting
- Leaves turning yellow
- Wilting even though I watered it
- Brown crispy leaf tips
- Bugs on the plant
Ready to grow Hawthorn? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.