The Mayhaw is a small, deciduous tree native to the wetlands of the Southern United States, highly valued for its early-ripening fruit. It belongs to the diverse Crataegus genus (hawthorns), specifically species like Crataegus aestivalis and Crataegus opaca. Its appearance is defined by its compact size, thorny branches, and the seasonal display of white flowers and bright, apple-like fruit. Identifying the Mayhaw involves recognizing its growth habit, the specific features of its leaves and thorns, and the timing and look of its unique flowers and fruit.
Tree Structure and Habitat
The Mayhaw tree typically maintains a small, rounded crown, often growing as a large shrub or a small tree. Most wild specimens are 10 to 20 feet tall, though cultivated varieties can reach up to 30 feet. The bark is generally grayish-brown and smooth when young.
As the tree ages, the bark develops vertical fissures and narrow ridges, giving it a slightly scaly or textured appearance. The Mayhaw is well-known for its preferred habitat in low-lying, wet areas, earning it the nickname “swamp hawthorn.” It thrives along stream banks, river bottoms, and in floodplains where water often stands.
This affinity for moist, acidic conditions makes spotting a Mayhaw in its native environment a strong clue to its identity. Despite its preference for wet soils, the Mayhaw is adaptable and can be grown in drier, well-drained soils. The overall structure tends to be spreading, often resembling a flowering crabapple tree in form.
Leaves and Thorns
The foliage provides clear identifying characteristics. The leaves are dark green, simple, and arranged alternately along the branches. They are deciduous, often turning red or yellow in the fall before shedding for winter.
The leaf shape is typically small and oval to spoon-shaped. Many Mayhaw leaves are broadest near the tip (obovate) and feature serrated or toothed edges, sometimes with small lobes near the end. This combination of small size and specific terminal lobing helps distinguish the Mayhaw from other trees in its native range.
A defining feature of the Mayhaw is the presence of thorns on its branches. These are stiff, woody structures, usually sharp and straight, measuring between 1 to 3 inches in length. While some cultivated varieties have fewer thorns, their presence on the brown or gray twigs is a significant visual marker for the wild Mayhaw tree.
Flowers and Fruit
The Mayhaw produces a showy display of flowers that appear early in the spring, often before the leaves have fully expanded. These blooms are bright white, sometimes with a pinkish tinge, and have the characteristic five petals of the rose family. They emerge in small clusters (corymbs) typically from late February to April, depending on the location.
The tree’s common name comes from the fruit, which ripens unusually early compared to most other hawthorns. The fruit, known as a haw, is a small pome—a fleshy, apple-like structure—that is usually round to pear-shaped. Mayhaws generally measure between one-half to one inch in diameter, resembling a small crabapple.
The color of the fruit ranges from yellow to deep crimson red when fully ripe. These small, tart fruits mature and drop from the tree in late April or May, making them popular for harvesting to create Mayhaw jelly and preserves. The early ripening period is the most distinct seasonal characteristic, marking the tree’s brief fruiting window.