Yellowleaf Hawthorn
Crataegus flava
Last reviewed: August 2026
Yellowleaf Hawthorn (Crataegus flava) is a perennial shrub native to FL, GA, SC. It blooms in April and May. The flowers draw bees, beetles, and flies. It reads as an intentional, HOA-friendly planting in the right spot.
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
Before you buy
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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
- How much sun does Yellowleaf Hawthorn need?
- Yellowleaf Hawthorn grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Yellowleaf Hawthorn bloom?
- Yellowleaf Hawthorn blooms in April and May.
- Where is Yellowleaf Hawthorn native?
- Yellowleaf Hawthorn (Crataegus flava) is native to FL, GA, SC, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
- 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).
- What pollinators does Yellowleaf Hawthorn attract?
- Yellowleaf Hawthorn draws bees, beetles, and flies.
- Is Yellowleaf Hawthorn HOA-friendly?
- Yellowleaf 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.
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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