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Black Hawthorn
Crataegus douglasii · Rosaceae
How it looks
Black Hawthorn is a deciduous shrub or small tree with thorny branches and alternate, toothed, round to oval leaves. In spring white five-petaled flowers gather together, and in autumn small round black or purplish fruits hang in clusters; height 10-26 ft (3-8 m).
Black Hawthorn is listed as non-toxic to cats by the ASPCA. An occasional nibble is unlikely to cause any real trouble.
Guide for parents
What your cat can reach is the lower leaves and stems, plus whatever has fallen to the ground. If it is standing outside in the yard, take a look at whether the space underneath is a path your cat uses often.
Fallen leaves keep piling up if left alone, so clear the side where your cat spends time now and then. If you have brought it indoors in a pot, the rim of the pot — or the tips of any trailing stems — becomes that spot instead.
Details
- Scientific name
- Crataegus douglasii
- Common name
- Black Hawthorn
- Family
- Rosaceae
- Source
- ASPCA cats plant list
Related plants
Same plant family· Rosaceae
Other safe flowers
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