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 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 is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with moderate maintenance.

Hawthorn

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Crataegus monogyna

Last reviewed: September 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.

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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 is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: moderate. Tidiness: 4 out of 5.

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 is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with moderate maintenance.

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.

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