Crataegus opaca aka Apple Haw

Crataegus opaca, or western mayhaw, belongs to the rose family. Its native range runs from Texas into the southeastern United States. Records include Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and southwestern Alabama. It grows in low places that hold water. These include swamp edges, low riverbanks, and deep hollows. Some of these sites stay flooded through much of the year.

Western mayhaw is a deciduous woody plant with a moderate growth rate. Sources describe it as both a tree and a shrub. It can reach about 30 feet [9 metres] tall. It flowers in March, and its seeds ripen during May and June. Each flower has both male and female parts. Midges carry pollen between the flowers. The supplied species records give no details of bark or leaf shape.

The juicy fruit has a tart taste and reaches 0.8 inches [2 centimetres] across. People eat it fresh or cook it. Its sharp flavour suits jelly and other preserves. People also dry the fruit to keep for later use. In parts of the southern United States, people gather wild crops in quantity. Each fruit holds up to five fairly large seeds. These may cling together, forming what seems like one stone. The source lists no known hazards, but this does not establish safety for every plant part.

In gardens, this mayhaw grows best in moist loam that drains well. It also accepts sandy soil and heavy clay. Its soil tolerance extends from strongly acid ground to chalky sites. Once established, it withstands both very wet soil and drought. Full sun gives the best fruit crop and quality. It also grows in partial shade, with poorer fruit results. The source lists USDA zones 4–8 and cold tolerance near −22°F [−30°C]. It tolerates strong winds, but not coastal exposure.

Western mayhaw suits woodland gardens, sunny edges, and lightly shaded sites. Its fruit gives it a clear role in edible gardens. The hard, heavy wood serves for tool handles and mallets. Small stem size limits its use as commercial timber. Seed propagation can be slow, with uneven germination. Stored seed may need warm and cold treatment before sprouting. The supplied evidence names no species-specific pests or diseases. It also gives no direct evidence for medicinal use of this species.