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Crataegus aestivalis (Walt.) Torr. & Gray

Mayhaw, May hawthorn

Rosaceae (Rose Family)

USDA Symbol: CRAE

USDA Native Status: Native to U.S.

May hawthorn is a small tree to 40 ft. or, less commonly, a shrub with crooked, usually spiny, branches. Clusters of white flowers are followed by edible, red fruit. Unusual among Crataegus spp. in having fruits ripen early, from April to July.

 

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Plant Characteristics

Duration: Perennial
Habit: Shrub
Leaf: Dark Green
Flower:
Fruit:
Size Class: 36-72 ft.

Bloom Information

Bloom Color: White
Bloom Time: Mar , Apr , May , Jun

Distribution

USA: AL , FL , GA , MS , NC , SC , VA
Native Distribution: Coastal Plain from VA to FL & MS
Native Habitat: Shallow ponds; wet woods; seasonal swamps
USDA Native Status: L48(N)

Growing Conditions

Water Use: High
Light Requirement: Part Shade
Soil Moisture: Wet
CaCO3 Tolerance: Low
Soil Description: Wet soils.
Conditions Comments: Subject to rust.

Benefit

Conspicuous Flowers: yes

Value to Beneficial Insects

Special Value to Native Bees

This information was provided by the Pollinator Program at The Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation.

Propagation

Description: Stratified seed will germinate.
Seed Collection: Not Available
Seed Treatment: 6-8 weeks of moist chilling improves germination.
Commercially Avail: yes

Bibliography

Bibref 996 - Gardening with Native Plants of the South (1994) Wasowski, Sally and Andy Wasowski

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Recommended Species Lists

Find native plant species by state. Each list contains commercially available species suitable for gardens and planned landscapes. Once you have selected a collection, you can browse the collection or search within it using the combination search.

View Recommended Species page

Additional resources

USDA: Find Crataegus aestivalis in USDA Plants
FNA: Find Crataegus aestivalis in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Crataegus aestivalis

Metadata

Record Modified: 2009-02-18
Research By: TWC Staff

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