The Mayhaw tree is a small, deciduous tree native to the wetlands of the Southeastern United States. Identification is often sought by those interested in foraging the fruit, which is highly prized for making jellies and preserves due to its high pectin content. Belonging to the rose family (Rosaceae), the Mayhaw is a species of hawthorn that is distinguished primarily by its unique seasonal timing and habitat preference. Learning the distinct features of this tree allows for successful identification.
Regional Habitat and Overall Structure
The Mayhaw is strongly associated with the Deep South, thriving across the coastal plains from Virginia down to Florida and west into Texas. Mayhaw trees are typically found in low-lying, poorly drained soils, such as seasonal swamps, river bottoms, creek banks, and the edges of shallow ponds.
The tree’s structure usually remains small, often presenting as a large shrub or a round-topped tree, rarely exceeding 30 feet in height. Wild specimens frequently exhibit a multi-trunked or scrubby growth habit, though they can be trained to a single trunk in cultivation. Its preference for wet, rich, and often acidic soils is a primary clue to its location, setting it apart from many other hawthorn species.
Identifying Features of the Bark and Leaves
The bark of a mature Mayhaw is generally thin and gray or dark reddish-brown. As the tree ages, this bark develops vertical fissures and narrow ridges, often breaking up into thin, narrow scales. The branches are typically crooked and spiny, a defining trait of the entire Crataegus genus.
The leaves are deciduous, arranged alternately on the stem, and are dark green throughout the growing season. They are simple, typically oval or wedge-shaped, and usually feature three shallow lobes near the tip, with finely serrated edges. A consistent feature of this genus is the presence of sharp, woody thorns, which can range from one to three inches long and are found along the branches.
Seasonal Markers: Flowers and Fruit
The Mayhaw’s life cycle is marked by its early seasonal appearance, which is the source of its common name. In late winter or very early spring, often before or concurrent with the full emergence of leaves, the tree produces showy clusters of white, five-petaled flowers. These blossoms are small, generally less than an inch in diameter.
The fruit, a small pome resembling a miniature apple, is the most definitive feature. It is small, typically between a half-inch and three-quarters of an inch in diameter, appearing yellow to bright red as it ripens. The fruit ripens and drops unusually early for a hawthorn, typically between late April and early May in the Deep South, which is the defining characteristic that gives the tree its name. This early ripening means the fruit is often collected by shaking the tree and gathering the pomes from tarps or water below.
Distinguishing Mayhaw from Look-Alike Trees
Distinguishing the Mayhaw from its close relatives, primarily other hawthorn species or wild crabapples (Malus species), relies on a combination of features. The most significant differentiator is the timing of the fruit drop; most other native hawthorns produce fruit that ripens much later, often in the fall. The Mayhaw is unique in that its edible fruit is ready for harvest in late spring.
The Mayhaw’s preference for wet, swampy habitats is a strong environmental clue, as many other hawthorn species prefer drier, upland sites. Wild crabapples are sometimes confused with Mayhaw due to similar pome-type fruit and spring blooms. However, crabapple leaves are generally less lobed and more oval with serrated edges, and their fruit tends to be larger, often ripening in the fall like most other hawthorns.