Yellowleaf Hawthorn
Crataegus flava
Last reviewed: September 2026
Yellowleaf Hawthorn is a deciduous shrub that blooms white flowers in April and May and grows well in full sun with medium water in warm, humid Southeastern climates.
Yellowleaf Hawthorn (Crataegus flava) 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
full sun
Water
medium
Size
120"–240" H × 120"–240" W
Bloom
Apr, May
Native to
FL, GA, SC
Pollinators
bees, beetles, flies
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Yellowleaf hawthorn is a native shrub that grows 10-20 feet tall and wide, forming a rounded crown. It produces clusters of white flowers in spring followed by yellow to red fruits, and its leaves turn attractive yellow-orange in fall.
Growing Yellowleaf Hawthorn
Grow Yellowleaf Hawthorn in full sun and medium water. Mature plants reach 120 to 240 inches tall and spread 120 to 240 inches wide. Expect moderate maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Yellowleaf Hawthorn is an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement. Maintenance level: moderate. Tidiness: 3 out of 5.
Works well in: mid zone, backyard only.
- Large mature size may overwhelm smaller spaces
- Thorny branches could be viewed as safety concern near walkways
- Winter appearance is fairly bare and stark
Wildlife value
The spring flowers attract bees, beetles, and flies for pollination. The fruits provide food for birds, and the thorny branches offer nesting sites and protection for wildlife.
Common questions
- When does Yellowleaf Hawthorn bloom?
- Yellowleaf Hawthorn typically flowers in April and May, producing clusters of small white blossoms before its fruit develops later in the season.
- What pollinates Yellowleaf Hawthorn flowers?
- The flowers attract bees, beetles, and flies, which visit the blooms for nectar and pollen and help with pollination.
- How much sun and water does Yellowleaf Hawthorn need?
- This shrub grows best in full sun and prefers medium moisture, though established plants can handle drier soil for periods of time.
- Does Yellowleaf Hawthorn lose its leaves in winter?
- Yes, it is a deciduous shrub and drops its leaves in fall, leafing out again in spring.
- Is Yellowleaf Hawthorn toxic to dogs?
- Yellowleaf Hawthorn is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs (aspca.org).
- Is Yellowleaf Hawthorn toxic to cats?
- Yellowleaf Hawthorn is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for cats (aspca.org).
- Is Yellowleaf Hawthorn HOA-friendly?
- Yellowleaf Hawthorn is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with moderate maintenance.
These answers were drafted with an AI model from this plant's data. Verify care details with a local expert.
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 Yellowleaf Hawthorn? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
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