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
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.
CrataegusCrataegus speciesHawsThornapple
- Light
- Full sun
- Habit
- Tree or shrub
- 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 expected; however, ingestion of large amounts of fibrous plant material may lead to mild vomiting or diarrhea.
Escalation note
This 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 expected; however, ingestion of large amounts of fibrous plant material may lead to mild vomiting or diarrhea.
Escalation note
This plant is considered non-toxic. If your dog consumes a significant amount and shows signs of distress, contact your veterinarian.
Bring it home
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
Hawthorn is listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs.
Plants of the World Online - Crataegus
botanical · 95% reliability
Taxonomic record for the genus Crataegus L.
Questions about Hawthorn
Is hawthorn toxic to cats?
Hawthorn (Crataegus species) is considered non-toxic to cats. It is classified as generally safe, meaning no toxic principles are known that would cause poisoning — though non-toxic does not mean harmless if eaten in large amounts.
What happens if my cat eats hawthorn berries or leaves?
Large ingestions of hawthorn plant material — including the fibrous leaves, stems, or haws — may cause mild vomiting or diarrhea due to the fiber load, not toxicity. Small nibbles are unlikely to cause any reaction at all.
How much hawthorn would make a cat sick?
There is no documented toxic dose for hawthorn in cats because the plant is non-toxic. GI upset, if it occurs, is a mechanical effect of eating a large quantity of fibrous plant material, not a poisoning — similar to a cat eating too much grass.
What should I do if my cat ate a hawthorn plant?
Monitor your cat for mild GI signs like vomiting or loose stools, which can follow ingestion of large amounts of fibrous plant material. If your cat seems distressed, lethargic, or symptoms persist, contact your veterinarian — hawthorn is non-toxic, so serious illness is not expected.
Is hawthorn toxic to dogs?
Hawthorn (Crataegus species) is considered non-toxic to dogs. It is classified as generally safe, meaning no toxic principles are documented that would cause poisoning in dogs.
What happens if a dog eats hawthorn berries?
No toxic symptoms are expected from hawthorn ingestion. However, if a dog eats a large amount of the fibrous plant material or berries (haws), mild vomiting or diarrhea may occur simply due to the bulk of fibrous matter in the digestive tract.
How much hawthorn is dangerous for a dog?
Hawthorn has no known toxic threshold for dogs — it is not a poisonous plant. That said, non-toxic does not mean unlimited quantities are harmless; large ingestions of any fibrous plant material can cause temporary GI upset, so it is best to discourage dogs from gorging on haws or plant debris.
Should I call the vet if my dog ate hawthorn?
A small nibble of hawthorn is unlikely to require a vet call. If your dog has consumed a significant amount and is showing signs of distress such as repeated vomiting or diarrhea, contact your veterinarian — not because hawthorn is toxic, but because large amounts of fibrous plant material can cause discomfort that may need supportive care.
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.
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.
Same safety verdict
Other plants with the same verdict
Cosmos
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Generally safe for cats & dogs.
Calathea
Calathea spp.
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Generally safe for cats & dogs.
Dwarf Date Palm
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Hanging Lobster Claw
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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.
Same growing conditions
Plants for the same room
Acorn Squash
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Generally safe for cats & dogs.
American Chestnut
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Generally safe for cats & dogs.
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The apple tree is a deciduous fruit-bearing plant known for its edible fruit, though the seeds and foliage contain cyanogenic glycosides that can be harmful if ingested in large quantities. While the fruit flesh is generally safe, the plant parts containing amygdalin pose a risk to pets.
Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.
Apricot
Prunus armeniaca
The apricot tree is a fruit-bearing species in the rose family. While the fruit flesh is generally considered safe, the stems, leaves, and seeds contain cyanogenic glycosides that can be harmful if ingested.
Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.