Hawthorn Toxic?

Updated 2026-03-06| 3 min read| 2,496 found this helpful

Crataegus species

ASPCA confirms no toxic risk to cats, dogs and horses, with no identified harmful phytochemicals

Accidental small consumption of any plant part will not cause adverse toxic effects in these species

Unusual symptoms after ingestion are typically linked to excess non-toxic plant matter or unrelated contaminants

FAQ

Is Hawthorn toxic to Humans?

No expected toxic symptoms; mild temporary gastrointestinal upset may occur with very large intake of unripe or rough plant material (Non-toxic)

Is Hawthorn toxic to Cats?

No toxic symptoms expected; rare mild vomiting or soft stools may occur after overconsumption of raw plant matter (Non-toxic)

Is Hawthorn toxic to Dogs?

No toxic symptoms expected; rare mild vomiting or soft stools may occur after overconsumption of raw plant matter (Non-toxic)

Is Hawthorn toxic to Horses?

No toxic symptoms expected; rare mild gastrointestinal upset may occur with excessive intake of unprocessed wild plant matter (Non-toxic)

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Toxicity Details

Humans

Non-toxic

No expected toxic symptoms; mild temporary gastrointestinal upset may occur with very large intake of unripe or rough plant material

Cats

Non-toxic

No toxic symptoms expected; rare mild vomiting or soft stools may occur after overconsumption of raw plant matter

Dogs

Non-toxic

No toxic symptoms expected; rare mild vomiting or soft stools may occur after overconsumption of raw plant matter

Horses

Non-toxic

No toxic symptoms expected; rare mild gastrointestinal upset may occur with excessive intake of unprocessed wild plant matter

Toxicity Snapshot

Toxic PartsNo plant parts are confirmed toxic; all edible portions are safe for typical consumption

Exposure RouteOral ingestion is the only potential exposure route; no dermal or inhalation toxicity reported

Toxic CompoundsNo confirmed toxic phytochemicals; edible portions contain beneficial flavonoids and antioxidants

First Aid & Prevention

First 30 Minutes

• Rinse mouth to remove residual plant matter if needed
• Offer small amounts of fresh water to dilute consumed plant material
• Monitor for unusual gastrointestinal symptoms for 2 to 4 hours post-ingestion

Contact Vet Immediately

• Persistent vomiting, diarrhea or abdominal pain lasting over 24 hours
• Lethargy, loss of appetite or other unusual symptoms after ingestion
• Known consumption of moldy, pesticide-treated or very large quantities of plant matter

Prevention

• Avoid allowing pets or livestock to consume excessive unprocessed wild plant matter even if non-toxic
• Store hawthorn products intended for human use out of pet reach to prevent overconsumption
• Wash wild-foraged hawthorn thoroughly before use to remove contaminants or pesticide residue

Treatment & Prognosis

• Provide supportive care for mild gastrointestinal symptoms if they occur
• No specific antidote is required as no toxic compounds are present
• Address secondary symptoms such as dehydration from vomiting as clinically indicated

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Professional Toxicology

Scientific NameCrataegus species

AliasesHaws、Pirliteiro、Red Hawthorn、Washington Hawthorn

Toxicity Grade

HumansNon-toxic

CatsNon-toxic

DogsNon-toxic

HorsesNon-toxic

Target Organs

No target organs are affected by toxic exposure, as no toxic risk is confirmed

Mechanism of Action

• No toxic mechanism identified, as no harmful phytochemicals are present in standard consumption quantities

Other Species Risk (CliniTox)

Information from CliniTox veterinary text.

Cattle: No confirmed toxic risk; large intake of unripe fruit may cause mild rumen upset

Sheep: Non-toxic; occasional consumption of leaves and fruit poses no health risk

Poultry: No known toxic effects; small quantities of fruit can be safely included in forage

Confusion Risk

The following plants look similar and may be confused:

Cotoneaster Cotoneaster species

Visually similar small shrubs with red berry-like fruit; key difference: cotoneaster leaves lack distinct serrated, lobed edges of hawthorn leaves, and cotoneaster is mildly toxic to pets

Firethorn Pyracantha species

Similar shrubby growth and bright red pome fruit; key difference: firethorn has long, sharp thorns along branches (vs smaller, softer hawthorn thorns) and contains mild toxic cyanogenic glycosides

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Related Toxic Plants

Cherry Laurel

Prunus laurocerasus

Severe, contains fatal cyanogenic glycosides

Chokecherry

Prunus virginiana

High, leaves, seeds and bark contain toxic cyanide compounds

Firethorn

Pyracantha coccinea

Low, causes mild gastrointestinal upset from cyanogenic glycosides

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Data Sources

1. ASPCA Animal Poison Control

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

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