English Hawthorn Toxic?

Updated 2026-03-06| 5 min read| 1,316 found this helpful

Crataegus laevigata is confirmed non-toxic to cats, dogs, and horses per official ASPCA toxicology assessments

No peer-reviewed scientific literature references any potential toxic effects linked to this plant species

While non-toxic, English Hawthorn is explicitly not recommended for use as feed for any animal species

FAQ

Is English Hawthorn toxic to Humans?

No known toxic symptoms reported with standard exposure; large ingestion may cause mild, non-toxic gastrointestinal upset (Non-toxic)

Is English Hawthorn toxic to Cats?

No confirmed toxic effects; rare mild, transient digestive discomfort may occur if large volumes are eaten (Non-toxic)

Is English Hawthorn toxic to Dogs?

No confirmed toxic effects; rare mild, temporary gastrointestinal upset may occur after excessive ingestion (Non-toxic)

Is English Hawthorn toxic to Horses?

No confirmed toxic effects; overconsumption may lead to mild digestive upset, though no toxic reactions are documented (Non-toxic)

Not sure which plant? Snap a photo to ID in 1 secondGet App

Toxicity Details

Humans

Non-toxic

No known toxic symptoms reported with standard exposure; large ingestion may cause mild, non-toxic gastrointestinal upset

Cats

Non-toxic

No confirmed toxic effects; rare mild, transient digestive discomfort may occur if large volumes are eaten

Dogs

Non-toxic

No confirmed toxic effects; rare mild, temporary gastrointestinal upset may occur after excessive ingestion

Horses

Non-toxic

No confirmed toxic effects; overconsumption may lead to mild digestive upset, though no toxic reactions are documented

Toxicity Snapshot

Toxic PartsNo toxic parts identified; no references to potential toxicity were found in available scientific literature, though the plant is not suitable for use as feed

Exposure RouteOral ingestion is the primary potential exposure route for both humans and all animal species

Toxic CompoundsNo known toxic active compounds; classified as non-toxic by the ASPCA

First Aid & Prevention

First 30 Minutes

• Remove any remaining plant material from the mouth of the exposed human or animal immediately
• Rinse the mouth thoroughly with clean, cool water to eliminate residual plant debris
• Monitor for signs of mild gastrointestinal discomfort such as loose stools or mild bloating

Contact Vet Immediately

• If your pet or livestock exhibits persistent vomiting, diarrhea, or abnormal behavior after ingestion
• If a very large volume of plant material was consumed, especially by small, senior, or immunocompromised animals

Prevention

• Do not intentionally feed English Hawthorn to pets, livestock, or use it as a human food source
• Supervise pets and livestock in areas where English Hawthorn is planted to prevent excessive consumption
• Properly identify all Crataegus species before planting in areas accessible to animals to avoid toxic lookalikes

Treatment & Prognosis

• Administer supportive care only, including access to fresh drinking water and rest for any mild digestive symptoms
• No specific antidote is required as no toxic compounds are present in this species
• Consult a veterinarian or medical professional if any persistent adverse effects develop after exposure

Emergency? Open PlantFun for real-time AI guidanceGet App

Professional Toxicology

Scientific NameCrataegus laevigata

AliasesMidland hawthorn、Smooth hawthorn

Toxicity Grade

HumansNon-toxic

CatsNon-toxic

DogsNon-toxic

HorsesNon-toxic

Target Organs

No specific organ systems are known to be targeted by exposure to this non-toxic plant

Mechanism of Action

• No toxic mechanism of action has been identified, as the plant contains no known harmful bioactive compounds

Other Species Risk (CliniTox)

Information from CliniTox veterinary text.

Ruminants (cattle, sheep, goats): No confirmed toxic effects reported, but the plant is not recommended as a feed source to avoid digestive upset

Small companion mammals (rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters): No documented toxicity, though large quantity ingestion may cause mild, transient gastrointestinal discomfort

Confusion Risk

The following plants look similar and may be confused:

Other Hawthorn Species Crataegus spp.

Visually similar to other species in the Crataegus genus; verify leaf, flower, and fruit morphology to confirm identity, as toxicity varies across Crataegus species

Dog Rose Rosa canina

Visually similar due to shared Rosaceae family traits including serrated leaves and small fleshy fruits; Rosa canina is also classified as non-toxic

Use PlantFun to scan and avoid misidentificationGet App

Related Toxic Plants

Cherry Laurel

Prunus laurocerasus

High toxicity, contains cyanogenic glycosides that can cause fatal poisoning in animals

Black Cherry

Prunus serotina

Moderate to high toxicity, toxic to horses and ruminants when wilted leaves are ingested

Firethorn

Pyracantha coccinea

Low to moderate toxicity, causes severe gastrointestinal irritation if ingested by pets and humans

Download PlantFun App

Identify, grow and care for plants effectively!

Instant Plant ID

Take a photo to quickly identify plants.

Smart Care Reminders

Generate watering and care schedules.

Toxicity & Disease Diagnosis

Identify toxic plants and pests with treatment advice.

Data Sources

1. ASPCA Animal Poison Control

2. CliniTox (Universität Zürich)

This information is for reference only and does not constitute medical advice. If ingestion or poisoning is suspected, seek medical or veterinary attention immediately.