How much sun does Lange's-thorn need?

Lange's-thorn grows best in part sun conditions.

When does Lange's-thorn bloom?

Lange's-thorn blooms in April and May.

Where is Lange's-thorn native?

Lange's-thorn (Crataegus intricata) is native to AL, CT, DE, GA and 20 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).

What pollinators does Lange's-thorn attract?

Lange's-thorn draws bees and beetles.

Is Lange's-thorn HOA-friendly?

Lange's-thorn takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Lange's-thorn

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Crataegus intricata

Last reviewed: August 2026

Lange's-thorn (Crataegus intricata) 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

part sun

Water

medium

Size

72"–180" H × 72"–180" W

Bloom

Apr, May

Native to

AL, CT, DE, GA and 20 more states

Pollinators

bees, beetles

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

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Ozark Highlands Piedmont Eastern Corn Belt Plains Southern Michigan/Northern Indiana Drift Plains Northeastern Highlands Northeastern Coastal Zone Northern Forests Middle Atlantic Coastal Plain Northern Piedmont Southeastern Plains Blue Ridge Ridge and Valley Eastern Temperate Forests Central Appalachians Western Allegheny Plateau Interior Plateau Eastern Great Lakes Lowlands Atlantic Coastal Pine Barrens

Lange's-thorn is a medium to large native shrub that forms a dense, thorny mass 6-15 feet tall and wide. It produces clusters of white flowers in spring followed by small red berries, and its deciduous leaves turn attractive fall colors. This hardy plant provides excellent wildlife habitat.

In an HOA neighborhood

Lange's-thorn takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Works well in: backyard only.

Large mature size may exceed typical shrub expectations
Thorny nature creates safety concerns near walkways
Can appear wild and unstructured compared to traditional landscaping

Wildlife value

The spring blooms attract bees and beetles for pollination services. The dense thorny structure provides nesting sites and protection for birds, while the berries feed wildlife through fall and winter.

Common questions

How much sun does Lange's-thorn need?: Lange's-thorn grows best in part sun conditions.
When does Lange's-thorn bloom?: Lange's-thorn blooms in April and May.
Where is Lange's-thorn native?: Lange's-thorn (Crataegus intricata) is native to AL, CT, DE, GA and 20 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
Is Lange's-thorn toxic to dogs?: Lange's-thorn is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs (aspca.org).
Is Lange's-thorn toxic to cats?: Lange's-thorn is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for cats (aspca.org).
What pollinators does Lange's-thorn attract?: Lange's-thorn draws bees and beetles.
Is Lange's-thorn HOA-friendly?: Lange's-thorn 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 Lange's-thorn? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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