Mayhaw, May hawthorn, Apple hawthorn, Shining hawthorn
Crataegus aestivalis

Family: Rosaceae

What it is like

A large shrub or small tree. The crown is rounded and compact. It grows 9 m high. The trunk is 15 cm across. The bark is grey with red-brown inner layers. It becomes cracked and scaly. The leaves are 2.5-5 cm long by 10-19 mm wide. They are narrowly oval. They have a short point at the tip. They narrow gradually to the base. There are coarse teeth above the middle. The leaves are shiny and dark green. They are yellow-green underneath with tufts of hairs near the veins. The flowers are 19 mm wide. They have 5 white petals. There are 15-20 pink stamens. The fruit are large, red and acid. They are 10 mm across. There are some named cultivated varieties.

There are 200 or more Crataegus species.

Where it is found

It is a temperate plant. It grows on wet river banks and the edges of swamps. Trees can grow in exposed positions. They are tolerant to wind. They can tolerate pollution. They do best in full sun but can grow in shade. They need 250-500 hours of chilling. They do best in well drained sandy loams. They do best with pH of 6-7 but can tolerate acid and alkaline conditions. They can tolerate waterlogged conditions.

Countries/locations it is found in

Australia, North America (country/location of origin), USA

How it is used for food

The fruit are eaten raw or used for tarts and preserves. They can be stewed, made into jams, marmalades and tarts. The fruit can be dried for later use. The seeds can be boiled or roasted and used as a coffee substitute.

Edible parts

Fruit

How it is grown

Plants can be grown from seed. The seed need cold treatment. Plants can also be grafted. They can be grown from cuttings. A spacing of 5-6 m is suitable.

Seedlings trees take 5-8 years to fruit. Fruit take 30 days to ripen after fruit are set. There can be 30-60 kg of fruit on one tree in a year. Fruit are harvested when fully ripe.

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Mespilus aestivalis Walter; Crataegus opaca;