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Pear Hawthorn

Crataegus calpodendron

Last reviewed: September 2026

Pear Hawthorn (Crataegus calpodendron)
Photo: (c) Chris Poling, some rights reserved (CC BY)

Pear Hawthorn (Crataegus calpodendron) 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

180"–300" H × 120"–240" W

Bloom

May, Jun

Native to

AL, AR, GA, IA and 17 more states

Pollinators

bees, beetles, flies

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

Find rebates in your area

Pear hawthorn is a native tree that produces clusters of white flowers in late spring followed by small red fruits. It develops a rounded crown and attractive fall color, making it a good choice for residential landscapes.

In an HOA neighborhood

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

Works well in: front yard, mid zone, street edge.

  • Has thorns that may require careful placement

Wildlife value

Host plant for spring azure.

The spring flowers attract bees, beetles, and flies for pollination. Birds enjoy the small red fruits in fall, and the tree provides nesting sites and shelter.

Common questions

How much sun does Pear Hawthorn need?
Pear Hawthorn grows best in part sun conditions.
When does Pear Hawthorn bloom?
Pear Hawthorn blooms in May and June.
Where is Pear Hawthorn native?
Pear Hawthorn (Crataegus calpodendron) is native to AL, AR, GA, IA and 17 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
Is Pear Hawthorn toxic to dogs?
Pear Hawthorn is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs (aspca.org).
Is Pear Hawthorn toxic to cats?
Pear Hawthorn is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for cats (aspca.org).
What butterflies or moths does Pear Hawthorn host?
Pear Hawthorn is a larval host plant for spring azure.
Is Pear Hawthorn HOA-friendly?
Pear 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.

See all plant problem guides

Ready to grow Pear Hawthorn? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

Planning a bed around it? Start a free plan with this plant

Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz