Parsley Hawthorn
Crataegus marshallii
Last reviewed: June 2026
Crataegus marshallii is a native deciduous tree blooming white flowers from March to May across the southeastern United States. This drought-tolerant hawthorn attracts bees and butterflies while providing wildlife habitat.
Parsley Hawthorn (Crataegus marshallii) 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.
The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Parsley Hawthorn as toxic to livestock.
Light
full sun
Water
low
Size
120"–300" H × 144"–180" W
Bloom
Mar, Apr, May
Native to
AL, AR, FL, GA and 11 more states
Pollinators
butterflies, bees
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Parsley Hawthorn is a small native Texas tree with delicate, deeply lobed leaves and clusters of white flowers in spring. It produces small red berries in fall and has an attractive, somewhat irregular branching pattern that creates good shade for smaller spaces.
Growing Parsley Hawthorn
Grow Parsley Hawthorn in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 120 to 300 inches tall and spread 144 to 180 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Parsley Hawthorn 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.
- Tree size exceeds typical HOA-friendly range
Wildlife value
The spring flowers attract bees and butterflies, while the small red berries feed birds throughout fall and winter. The dense branching also provides excellent nesting sites for songbirds.
Common questions
- When does Parsley Hawthorn bloom?
- Parsley Hawthorn blooms from March through May, producing clusters of small white flowers that attract pollinators.
- Where is Crataegus marshallii native?
- Parsley Hawthorn is native to the southeastern United States, including Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Kentucky, Louisiana, Missouri, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and Virginia.
- What pollinators visit Parsley Hawthorn?
- Parsley Hawthorn flowers attract various bees and butterflies during its spring blooming period.
- How much water does Crataegus marshallii need?
- Parsley Hawthorn is drought tolerant once established and requires low to moderate water, making it suitable for xeriscaping and low-maintenance landscapes.
- Is Parsley Hawthorn toxic to dogs?
- Parsley Hawthorn is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs (aspca.org).
- Is Parsley Hawthorn toxic to cats?
- Parsley Hawthorn is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for cats (aspca.org).
- Is Parsley Hawthorn toxic to livestock?
- The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Parsley Hawthorn as toxic to livestock.
- Is Parsley Hawthorn HOA-friendly?
- Parsley Hawthorn 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 USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Does Parsley Hawthorn fit your yard? Open it in Pollinator Patch to check it against your sun, soil, and HOA-conscious filters.