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Cox, Paul
Crataegus opaca
Crataegus opaca Hook. & Arn.
Mayhaw, Western mayhaw, May hawthorn, Riverflat hawthorn, Applehaw
Rosaceae (Rose Family)
Synonym(s): Crataegus nudiflora
USDA Symbol: CROP
USDA Native Status: L48 (N)
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.
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: WhiteBloom Time: Feb , Mar
Distribution
USA: AL , AR , LA , MS , TXNative Distribution: AL to e. TX, n. to s. AR
Native Habitat: Low, wet woods; creek and river bottoms
Growing Conditions
Light Requirement: Part ShadeSoil 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 BeesThis 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.
National Wetland Indicator Status
| Region: | AGCP | AK | AW | CB | EMP | GP | HI | MW | NCNE | WMVE |
| Status: | OBL | OBL |
From the National Organizations Directory
According to the species list provided by Affiliate Organizations, this plant is on display at the following locations:Crosby Arboretum - Picayune, MS
Bibliography
Bibref 298 - Field Guide to Texas Trees (1999) Simpson, B.J.Bibref 1620 - Gardening with Native Plants of the South (Reprint Edition) (2009) Wasowski, S. with A. Wasowski
Bibref 318 - Native Texas Plants: Landscaping Region by Region (2002) Wasowski, S. & A. Wasowski
Search More Titles in Bibliography
Additional resources
USDA: Find Crataegus opaca in USDA PlantsFNA: Find Crataegus opaca in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Crataegus opaca
Metadata
Record Modified: 2015-11-12Research By: TWC Staff