Common hawthorn Toxic?

Updated 2026-03-06| 2 min read| 1,222 found this helpful

No confirmed toxicity reports for common hawthorn exist in available peer-reviewed scientific literature

The species is classified as presumed non-toxic for humans, cats, dogs, and horses

Common hawthorn is explicitly not recommended or suitable for use as feed for any domestic animals or livestock

FAQ

Is Common hawthorn toxic to Humans?

No confirmed toxicity-related symptoms reported; mild gastrointestinal upset may occur very rarely in sensitive individuals after ingesting large quantities (Non-toxic)

Is Common hawthorn toxic to Cats?

No confirmed toxic reactions reported; adverse effects are highly unlikely even after small-volume ingestion (Non-toxic)

Is Common hawthorn toxic to Dogs?

No confirmed toxic reactions reported; adverse effects are highly unlikely even after small-volume ingestion (Non-toxic)

Is Common hawthorn toxic to Horses?

No confirmed toxic reactions reported; adverse effects are highly unlikely even after small-volume ingestion (Non-toxic)

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Toxicity Details

Humans

Non-toxic

No confirmed toxicity-related symptoms reported; mild gastrointestinal upset may occur very rarely in sensitive individuals after ingesting large quantities

Cats

Non-toxic

No confirmed toxic reactions reported; adverse effects are highly unlikely even after small-volume ingestion

Dogs

Non-toxic

No confirmed toxic reactions reported; adverse effects are highly unlikely even after small-volume ingestion

Horses

Non-toxic

No confirmed toxic reactions reported; adverse effects are highly unlikely even after small-volume ingestion

Toxicity Snapshot

Toxic PartsNo plant parts are confirmed to be toxic; the entire species is presumed non-toxic, though all plant material is unsuitable for use as animal fodder

Exposure RouteOral ingestion is the only known potential exposure route; no dermal or inhalation toxicity risks are documented for this species

Toxic CompoundsNo toxic phytochemicals have been identified in Crataegus monogyna in published research to date

First Aid & Prevention

First 30 Minutes

• Rinse mouth with clean water if large quantities of the plant are ingested
• Monitor for mild, idiosyncratic gastrointestinal upset for 2 to 4 hours post-ingestion
• Do not induce vomiting unless explicitly advised by a medical professional or veterinarian

Contact Vet Immediately

• If your pet displays persistent vomiting, diarrhea, or lethargy after ingesting large volumes of hawthorn
• If you cannot confirm the plant's identity and suspect it may be a toxic lookalike species

Prevention

• Avoid offering common hawthorn plant material as feed for any companion animals or livestock
• Label decorative hawthorn plantings in pet-accessible areas to avoid unintended overconsumption
• Learn to distinguish common hawthorn from toxic related Rosaceae species to prevent misidentification

Treatment & Prognosis

• No targeted treatment is required for minor ingestion of common hawthorn
• Provide supportive care including access to clean water and rest if mild gastrointestinal symptoms occur
• Seek urgent medical or veterinary care if adverse reactions are linked to misidentification of a toxic lookalike

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Professional Toxicology

Scientific NameCrataegus monogyna Jacq.

AliasesEnglish hawthorn、Single-style hawthorn、Oneseed hawthorn

Toxicity Grade

HumansNon-toxic

CatsNon-toxic

DogsNon-toxic

HorsesNon-toxic

Target Organs

No organs are known to be targeted by toxic compounds from common hawthorn

Mechanism of Action

• No toxic mechanisms of action have been identified for this species, as no toxicity has been confirmed in controlled or observational studies

Other Species Risk (CliniTox)

Information from CliniTox veterinary text.

Cattle, sheep, and goats (ruminants): No confirmed toxicity reported, but use of common hawthorn as a primary feed source is not recommended due to lack of long-term feeding safety data

Small companion mammals (rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters): No adverse effects reported from occasional minor ingestion, but regular feeding of large volumes is not advised

Confusion Risk

The following plants look similar and may be confused:

Other hawthorn species Crataegus spp.

Most other Crataegus species are visually very similar to C. monogyna; nearly all are also non-toxic, but proper identification is recommended to rule out rare unstudied varieties

Dog rose Rosa canina

Dog rose shares a similar growth habit and leaf shape with common hawthorn, and is also non-toxic; it can be distinguished by its softer prickles (versus sharp hawthorn thorns) and larger, brighter rose hips

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Related Toxic Plants

Black cherry

Prunus serotina

High toxicity, especially wilted foliage, causes cyanide poisoning in horses and ruminants

Cherry laurel

Prunus laurocerasus

Severe toxicity, contains high concentrations of cyanogenic glycosides that can cause rapid fatal poisoning in all species

Firethorn

Pyracantha coccinea

Low to moderate toxicity, contains cyanogenic glycosides that cause gastrointestinal irritation if ingested in large quantities

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Data Sources

1. 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.