Black Hawthorn — (c) Afanasovich Alexey, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Afanasovich Alexey
Photo by (c) Afanasovich Alexey, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Afanasovich AlexeyiNaturalistCC BY
dog safety reference

Is Black Hawthorn safe for dogs?

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

Dogs

Generally safe

Consulted 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.

What this means for your dog

Black Hawthorn is safe for dogs — ASPCA lists no toxic principle and classifies the plant as non-toxic to dogs. The thorns are a bigger practical concern for a curious dog than the plant's chemistry.

Sources: ASPCA.

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.

Dogsconcern 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

NC State Extension Plant Toolbox

botanical · 94% reliability

Open source

Crataegus douglasii is a native shrub or small tree with dark purple to black fruit.

Cats & dogs pagecats page

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