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English Hawthorn
Crataegus laevigata · Rosaceae
How it looks
English Hawthorn is a deciduous shrub or tree with thorny branches and small, deeply lobed toothed leaves arranged alternately. In spring, small white to pink flowers bloom in clusters, and in autumn small round red fruits appear. It stands 10–26 ft (3–8 m) tall.
English 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 laevigata
- Common name
- English Hawthorn
- Family
- Rosaceae
- Source
- ASPCA cats plant list
Related plants
Same plant family· Rosaceae
Other safe flowers
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