Cats & Dogs
Generally safeConsulted references do not classify the plant as toxic for that pet type, while still allowing for mild GI upset if large amounts are chewed.
Verified against ASPCA/provenance audit 2026-05-06 on May 6, 2026.
Sources
Pet safety reference
Black Hawthorn
Crataegus douglasii
Crataegus douglasii is a deciduous shrub or small tree known for its dark, edible berries and thorny branches. It is generally considered safe for household pets, though its physical structure requires caution.
Black HawthornCrataegus douglasiiDouglas Hawthorn
- Light
- Full sun to partial shade
- Habit
- Shrub or small tree
- Care
- Low
Safety status
If a pet has chewed or swallowed plant material and is showing symptoms, contact a veterinarian or poison resource immediately. This product is for structured reference, not diagnosis.
Cats — concern notes
Common signs
None typically expected from ingestion of plant material.
Escalation note
While non-toxic, consuming large amounts of fibrous plant material may cause mild gastrointestinal upset. Contact your veterinarian if you observe persistent vomiting or lethargy.
Dogs — concern notes
Common signs
None typically expected from ingestion of plant material.
Escalation note
While non-toxic, consuming large amounts of fibrous plant material may cause mild gastrointestinal upset. Contact your veterinarian if you observe persistent vomiting or lethargy.
Bring it home
Black Hawthornis generally pet-safe in ordinary household exposure. If you’d like one for your space, here’s a starting point.
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Source evidence
ASPCA Toxic Plant List
toxicology · 99% reliability
The Black Hawthorn is listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs.
NC State Extension Plant Toolbox
botanical · 94% reliability
Crataegus douglasii is a native shrub or small tree with dark purple to black fruit.
Questions about Black Hawthorn
Is Black Hawthorn toxic to cats?
Black Hawthorn (Crataegus douglasii) is considered non-toxic to cats. It is classified as generally safe, meaning ingestion of plant material is not expected to cause poisoning.
What happens if my cat eats Black Hawthorn berries or leaves?
No toxic symptoms are expected from a cat eating Black Hawthorn. However, consuming large amounts of fibrous plant material may cause mild gastrointestinal upset such as vomiting or loose stools.
What should I do if my cat ate a lot of Black Hawthorn?
Because Black Hawthorn is non-toxic, a small nibble requires no emergency action. If your cat ate a large quantity and shows persistent vomiting or lethargy, contact your veterinarian.
Are the thorns on Black Hawthorn dangerous to cats?
Yes — the physical thorns on Black Hawthorn branches pose a puncture or scratch risk to curious cats regardless of the plant's non-toxic status. Keep cats away from the thorny branches to avoid injury to paws, mouth, or eyes.
Is Black Hawthorn toxic to dogs?
Black Hawthorn (Crataegus douglasii) is generally considered non-toxic to dogs. No toxic principles are documented for this plant, and ingestion of the berries or plant material is not expected to cause poisoning.
Can eating Black Hawthorn berries cause my dog to get sick?
The berries are non-toxic, but eating large amounts of fibrous plant material can cause mild gastrointestinal upset such as vomiting or loose stools. If symptoms persist, contact your veterinarian.
What should I watch for if my dog ate part of a Black Hawthorn shrub?
No toxic symptoms are expected, but monitor your dog for signs of GI upset — vomiting, diarrhea, or lethargy — especially if a large amount was consumed. The main physical hazard of Black Hawthorn is its thorny branches, which can scratch the mouth or paws.
Are the thorns on Black Hawthorn dangerous to dogs?
Yes — while the plant material itself is non-toxic, Black Hawthorn's sharp thorns pose a physical injury risk. Check your dog's mouth, paws, and face for puncture wounds or embedded thorns if they've been chewing or pushing through the shrub, and see a vet if a thorn appears lodged in tissue.
Same genus
More from the Crataegus genus
English Hawthorn
Crataegus laevigata
English Hawthorn is a deciduous shrub or small tree known for its clusters of white or pink flowers and red berries. While generally considered safe for pets, it is not intended for consumption.
Generally safe for cats & dogs.
Hawthorn
Crataegus species
Hawthorn is a genus of shrubs and trees in the rose family, widely recognized for their clusters of small, berry-like fruits known as haws. While generally considered safe for pets, the fibrous nature of the plant material can occasionally cause mild digestive discomfort if consumed in large quantities.
Generally safe for cats & dogs.
Same safety verdict
Other plants with the same verdict
Achiote
Bixa orellana
Bixa orellana, commonly known as Achiote or Lipstick Tree, is a tropical shrub or small tree widely cultivated for its seeds, which produce the natural pigment annatto. While generally considered non-toxic, ingestion of plant material by pets should be monitored for gastrointestinal upset.
Generally safe for cats & dogs.
Amur Maple
Acer ginnala
The Amur Maple is a hardy, deciduous shrub or small tree known for its vibrant autumn foliage and fragrant spring flowers. It is considered non-toxic to pets, though ingestion of large amounts of fibrous plant material may occasionally cause mild digestive discomfort.
Generally safe for cats & dogs.
Black Haw
Viburnum lentago
Black Haw is a deciduous shrub or small tree known for its clusters of white flowers and dark, edible berries. It is widely considered safe for household pets, though its fibrous nature may cause minor digestive discomfort if consumed in large quantities.
Generally safe for cats & dogs.
Mountain Camellia
Stewartia ovata
Mountain Camellia is a deciduous flowering shrub or small tree known for its beautiful white blossoms and exfoliating bark. It is considered non-toxic to pets, though ingestion of large amounts of plant material may cause minor digestive discomfort.
Generally safe for cats & dogs.