Littlehip Hawthorn
Crataegus spathulata
Last reviewed: October 2026
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 459 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
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 vouchered herbarium specimen records 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 vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. 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 Littlehip Hawthorn? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.