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Littlehip Hawthorn

Crataegus spathulata

Last reviewed: July 2026

Littlehip Hawthorn (Crataegus spathulata)
Photo: Nadiatalent / Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)

Littlehip Hawthorn (Crataegus spathulata) 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

6"–240" H × 6"–18" W

Bloom

Mar, Apr, May

Native to

AL, AR, FL, GA and 11 more states

Pollinators

bees

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

Find rebates in your area

Littlehip Hawthorn is a native Texas tree that grows 6-20 feet tall with a narrow spread, making it suitable for smaller spaces. It produces clusters of white flowers in spring followed by small red berries, and its deciduous leaves turn attractive colors in fall.

In an HOA neighborhood

Littlehip Hawthorn is an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement. Maintenance level: moderate. Tidiness: 4 out of 5.

Works well in: front yard, mid zone.

  • Trees often require HOA/ARC approval even when allowed.
  • Verify setbacks from sidewalks, driveways, utilities, and structures.
  • Confirm mature height/canopy limits and sightline rules for corners.

Wildlife value

The spring blooms attract bees and other pollinators, while the small red berries provide food for birds. As a native hawthorn, it supports various native insects and wildlife throughout the growing season.

Common questions

How much sun does Littlehip Hawthorn need?
Littlehip Hawthorn grows best in part sun conditions.
When does Littlehip Hawthorn bloom?
Littlehip Hawthorn blooms in March, April, and May.
Where is Littlehip Hawthorn native?
Littlehip Hawthorn (Crataegus spathulata) is native to AL, AR, FL, GA and 11 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
Is Littlehip Hawthorn toxic to dogs?
Littlehip Hawthorn is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs (aspca.org).
Is Littlehip Hawthorn toxic to cats?
Littlehip Hawthorn is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for cats (aspca.org).
What pollinators does Littlehip Hawthorn attract?
Littlehip Hawthorn draws bees.
Is Littlehip Hawthorn HOA-friendly?
Littlehip Hawthorn is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with moderate maintenance.

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 Littlehip 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