Cedar hawthorn leaf rust is problematic to many hawthorn species. Although trees are too small and crooked to be of commercial value to the timber industry, the wood is sometimes used for tool handles, canes, small turned objects and fuel. The fruits are not used by wildlife as much as we might expect. Pheasants, cedar waxwings, robins, fox squirrels, raccoons, squirrels and skunks feed on the fruit. Birds nest in the trees, taking advantage of the thick foliage and thorniness.
Deer browse the young twigs and leaves.
Hawthorns are frequently used in landscaping for their ornamental habit and showy flowers and fruits. It is a native of Iowa and grows to 25 feet tall with white flowers, red fruits and long thorns. It is susceptible to cedar hawthorn leaf rust and leaf blotch miner.