The hawthorn is pretty to look at with its double, carmine-red umbel flowers, but its sharp thorns are formidable. Parents and pet owners in particular may also be wondering whether it is also poisonous.
Is hawthorn poisonous to children and pets?
The hawthorn is not poisonous and poses no danger to children or pets. All parts of the plant, including flowers, leaves and fruits, are non-toxic, although consumption of large quantities of raw fruit can lead to intolerance reactions.
Far-reaching all-clear
If you are thinking about decorating your garden with a hawthorn and are concerned about small children and/or pets, you can breathe a sigh of relief. The rose plant poses a risk of injury to curious two- or four-legged friends due to its sharp thorns. But it is not poisonous, in all its components.
It's not necessarily good for small children to explore the pretty flowers or leaves with their mouths. But they cannot poison themselves. Even the small apple fruits, if they rarely form at all, are non-toxic. They are even suitable for consumption - but only to a limited extent. Larger amounts of raw fruit can cause intolerance symptoms such as diarrhea, nausea and, in extreme cases, even headaches and fever. However, the floury, sour taste usually prevents this from happening.
However, the hawthorn fruits are edible in processed form such as jam or compote.
