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Native Plant Database

Search for native plants by scientific name, common name or family. If you are not sure what you are looking for, try the Combination Search or our Recommended Species lists.

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Crataegus opaca (Mayhaw)
Cox, Paul

Crataegus opaca Hook. & Arn.

Mayhaw, Riverflat hawthorn, Western mayhaw

Rosaceae (Rose Family)

USDA Symbol: crop

USDA Native Status: Native to U.S.

Small tree with relatively tall trunk and narrow, rounded crown; or a large shrub. River-flat hawthorn or may haw is a small tree or shrub, to 30 ft., with spiny branches and oval to oblong, dark-green leaves. Clusters of showy pink or white flowers appear before and with the leaves. Large, green to reddish fruit ripens from May to June.

The large, edible fruit is made into preserves and jellies.

 

From the Image Gallery

Plant Characteristics

Duration: Perennial
Habit: Tree
Flower:
Fruit:
Size Class: 12-36 ft.

Bloom Information

Bloom Color: White
Bloom Time: Feb , Mar

Distribution

USA: AL , AR , LA , MS , TX
Native Distribution: AL to e. TX, n. to s. AR
Native Habitat: Low, wet woods; creek and river bottoms
USDA Native Status: L48(N)

Growing Conditions

Light Requirement: Part Shade
Soil Moisture: Wet
Soil Description: Wet, rich soils.
Conditions Comments: Used as an ornamental or hedge in poorly drained, shady places. Fruit makes a delicious preserve.

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: Fruits may be hand-picked or shaken from the plant. Clean seeds from the pulp to avoid mold and fermentation. Air-dry before storing. Store in sealed, refrigerated containers.
Seed Treatment: 6-8 weeks of moist chilling improves germination.

From the National Organizations Directory

According to the species list provided by Affiliate Organizations, this plant is either on display or available from the following:

Crosby Arboretum - Picayune, MS

Bibliography

Bibref 996 - Gardening with Native Plants of the South (1994) Wasowski, Sally and Andy Wasowski
Bibref 318 - Native Texas Plants: Landscaping Region by Region (2002) Wasowski, S. & A. Wasowski

Search More Titles in Bibliography

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

Metadata

Record Modified: 2009-04-23
Research By: TWC Staff

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