What soil does Common hawthorn grow in?

It tolerates these soils: average garden soil, clay, sandy, calcareous.

Is Common hawthorn hardy?

Hardy down to -29 °C (USDA zone 4, RHS H7). It gets through winter in every part of the country.

Is Common hawthorn toxic to dogs?

No. Reliable sources list it as non-toxic to dogs.

Is Common hawthorn toxic to cats?

No. Reliable sources list it as non-toxic to cats.

How far from the house should Common hawthorn be planted?

Plant it at least 2 m from buildings. Keep it at least 1.5 m from paving.

How far apart should Common hawthorn be planted?

Planted on its own, it needs 2.5 m between plants. For a hedge, allow 4 plants per metre.

How much water does Common hawthorn need?

Water need: low. Drought tolerance: high.

How much does Common hawthorn cost?

It sells for roughly HUF 1,700 to HUF 22,000 in local shops, depending on size.

Common hawthorn

Crataegus monogyna

Common hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna) is a small tree. Light: full sun, part shade. Hardy down to -29 °C. Drought tolerance: high. Non-toxic to dogs and cats. Sold in local shops from about HUF 1,700.

Illustration of Common hawthorn — An illustration of the typical shape of the mature plant, not a photo.

What it's good for, and what it isn't

A thorny large shrub or small tree that is covered in scented white blossom in May and loaded with red haws in autumn, much loved by birds. It makes the classic impenetrable clipped or informal hedge and is handsome as a small tree too; for tight spots look for the columnar 'Stricta'. It grows in almost any soil and takes drought and clipping well, but keep it away from paths and play areas because of the thorns.

Watch out for

In Central Europe its main disease is fire blight (Erwinia amylovora): shoot tips blacken and hook over, and affected wood must be cut back well into healthy tissue; do not plant it near apple and pear orchards. By late summer leaf spot, powdery mildew and rust often disfigure the foliage, and aphids, caterpillars and gall mites may appear. Birds spread the seeds, so seedlings can pop up around the garden.

Key facts

Light: Full sun, Part shade
Water need: Low
Care: Low
Size after 10 years: 4 m × 3 m
Hardiness: down to -29 °C
Foliage: Deciduous
Flowering: J F M A M J J A S O N D May–June, white

Group	Small tree
Light	Full sun, Part shade
Size after 10 years	4 m × 3 m
Ultimate size	4–9 m × 4–8 m
Hardiness	down to -29 °C (USDA 4, RHS H7)
Soil	Average garden soil, Clay, Sandy, Calcareous
Foliage	Deciduous
Flowering	May–June, white
Harvest	September–October
Water need	Low
Drought tolerance	High
Maintenance	Low
Root aggressiveness	Low
Suckering	no
Spreading	Medium
Distance from buildings	at least 2 m
Distance from paving	at least 1.5 m
Litter	Fruit
Planting distance	250 cm
For dogs	Non-toxic
For cats	Non-toxic
For children	Non-toxic (uncertain)
Typical price	from about HUF 1,700

Toxicity data is for information only. If your pet or child has eaten a plant, contact a vet or a doctor.

Sizes and prices available

The same plant is sold as a small pot and as a specimen several metres tall, and the price follows. Prices are rounded and for guidance only.

Size	Typical price
40-80 cm	approx. HUF 1,700
size not stated	approx. HUF 3,800 – HUF 22,000

Frequently asked questions

Data updated: October 13, 2026 · How our data is made

Appears in these lists

Drought-tolerant plants Drought-tolerant plants for sandy soil Plants that are non-toxic to dogs Plants that are non-toxic to cats Hedge plants Plants for screening Small ornamental trees Fragrant plants Plants with autumn colour Plants with edible fruit Edible plants for screening

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Common hawthorn vs Midland hawthorn Common hawthorn vs Snowy mespilus

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