River Hawthorn
Crataegus douglasii
Last reviewed: August 2026
River Hawthorn (Crataegus douglasii) is a perennial shrub native to CA, ID, MI, MN and 5 more states. It blooms in May and June. The flowers draw bees, beetles, and flies. It reads as an intentional, HOA-friendly planting in the right spot.
River Hawthorn (Crataegus douglasii) 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 River Hawthorn as toxic to livestock.
Light
full sun
Water
medium
Size
120"–360" H × 96"–240" W
Bloom
May, Jun
Native to
CA, ID, MI, MN and 5 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 445 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
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River hawthorn is a deciduous shrub that grows 10-30 feet tall and wide, forming a rounded canopy. It produces clusters of white flowers in late spring followed by small red berries, and its glossy green leaves turn yellow to orange in fall.
Growing River Hawthorn
Grow River Hawthorn in full sun and medium water. Mature plants reach 120 to 360 inches tall and spread 96 to 240 inches wide. Expect moderate maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
River Hawthorn is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: moderate. Tidiness: 3 out of 5.
Works well in: mid zone, backyard only.
- Very large mature size may overwhelm smaller properties
- Thorny branches require careful placement away from walkways
- Can appear irregular in shape without pruning
Wildlife value
The flowers attract bees, beetles, and flies in May and June. Birds feed on the berries in late summer and fall, while the thorny branches provide nesting sites and protection.
Common questions
- How much sun does River Hawthorn need?
- River Hawthorn grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does River Hawthorn bloom?
- River Hawthorn blooms in May and June.
- Where is River Hawthorn native?
- River Hawthorn (Crataegus douglasii) is native to CA, ID, MI, MN and 5 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
- Is River Hawthorn toxic to dogs?
- River Hawthorn is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs (aspca.org).
- Is River Hawthorn toxic to cats?
- River Hawthorn is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for cats (aspca.org).
- Is River Hawthorn toxic to livestock?
- The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag River Hawthorn as toxic to livestock.
- What pollinators does River Hawthorn attract?
- River Hawthorn draws bees, beetles, and flies.
- Is River Hawthorn HOA-friendly?
- River Hawthorn is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with moderate maintenance.
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 River Hawthorn? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
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