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
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.
Crataegus laevigataCrataegus oxyacanthaMidland HawthornWoodland Hawthorn
- Light
- Full sun to partial shade
- Habit
- Deciduous shrub or small tree
- Care
- Moderate
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; however, ingestion of large amounts of fibrous plant material may cause mild gastrointestinal upset such as vomiting or diarrhea.
Escalation note
The plant is considered non-toxic. If your cat consumes a significant amount and shows signs of distress, contact your veterinarian.
Dogs — concern notes
Common signs
None typically expected; however, ingestion of large amounts of fibrous plant material may cause mild gastrointestinal upset such as vomiting or diarrhea.
Escalation note
The plant is considered non-toxic. If your dog consumes a significant amount and shows signs of distress, contact your veterinarian.
Bring it home
English Hawthornis generally pet-safe in ordinary household exposure. If you’d like one for your space, here’s a starting point.
Shop on AmazonSome links earn us a small commission. They never affect our safety classifications.
Source evidence
ASPCA Toxic Plant List
toxicology · 99% reliability
English Hawthorn is listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs.
Kew Plants of the World Online
botanical · 95% reliability
Accepted scientific name and distribution for Crataegus laevigata.
Questions about English Hawthorn
Is English Hawthorn toxic to cats?
English Hawthorn (Crataegus laevigata) is considered non-toxic to cats. It is classified as generally safe, meaning it is not expected to cause poisoning if your cat chews on the leaves, flowers, or berries.
What happens if my cat eats English Hawthorn berries or leaves?
No toxic effects are expected, but ingesting a large amount of fibrous plant material can cause mild gastrointestinal upset such as vomiting or diarrhea. Small nibbles are unlikely to cause any symptoms at all.
Should I call the vet if my cat ate English Hawthorn?
A small amount is not a cause for alarm given the plant is non-toxic. If your cat ate a significant quantity and is showing vomiting, diarrhea, or signs of distress, contact your veterinarian for guidance.
Are the red berries on English Hawthorn safe for cats?
The berries are not considered toxic to cats, but non-toxic does not mean they are good to eat in quantity — large ingestions of any plant material can irritate a cat's digestive tract and cause vomiting or loose stools. It is best to discourage your cat from eating them.
Is English Hawthorn toxic to dogs?
English Hawthorn (Crataegus laevigata) is considered non-toxic to dogs. It is classified as generally safe, meaning it is not expected to cause poisoning if your dog chews on the leaves, flowers, or berries.
What happens if a dog eats English Hawthorn berries or leaves?
Ingesting small amounts is unlikely to cause any reaction. If your dog eats a large quantity of the fibrous plant material, mild gastrointestinal upset such as vomiting or diarrhea is possible due to the bulk of plant matter, not any toxic compound.
How much English Hawthorn would my dog need to eat to get sick?
There is no documented toxic dose because the plant is non-toxic. Problems, if any, are linked to large-volume ingestion causing GI upset — not to a specific toxin threshold. A dog that grazes briefly is very unlikely to show any symptoms at all.
My dog ate part of an English Hawthorn — should I call the vet?
A small nibble does not warrant an emergency call. Monitor your dog for vomiting, diarrhea, or lethargy; if those signs appear or your dog consumed a large amount and seems distressed, contact your veterinarian for guidance.
Same genus
More from the Crataegus genus
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.
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
Cosmos
Cosmos bipinnatus
Garden cosmos is a daisy-like annual usually treated as a pet-safe flowering option, though any large plant ingestion can still cause mild stomach upset.
Generally safe for cats & dogs.
Calathea
Calathea spp.
Calathea are popular tropical houseplants known for their striking, patterned foliage and rhythmic leaf movement. They are considered safe for households with pets, though ingestion of large amounts of fibrous plant material may cause minor digestive discomfort.
Generally safe for cats & dogs.
Dwarf Date Palm
Phoenix acaulis
The Dwarf Date Palm is a slow-growing, stemless palm species native to the grasslands of India. It is widely appreciated for its compact, architectural foliage that mimics the appearance of larger date palms in a miniature form.
Generally safe for cats & dogs.
Hanging Lobster Claw
Heliconia rostrata
Heliconia rostrata is a tropical perennial known for its dramatic, pendulous inflorescences. While generally considered non-toxic to pets, ingestion of any plant material can cause gastrointestinal upset.
Generally safe for cats & dogs.