Mayhaw

Crataegus aestivalis

Size: 3 Gallon Availability

Tree
Max size: 30’ tall x 40’ wide
Average size: 25′ tall x 30′ wide

Very Moist, Usually Moist, Moist to Dry
Clay, Loam, Sand
Sun, Part Shade
No Salt Tolerance

AKA: Eastern Mayhaw, Thornapples

This deciduous tree has white spring blossoms and a red fall color. If it needs pruned to avoid multiple leader trunks, do so in late winter. It fruits its edible fruit in early summer. These fruits are eaten by birds and small mammals. Deer like to browse the stems. It attracts many pollinators and is an important source for native bees. It is a larval food for hummingbird clearwing (Hemaris thysbe) and blinded sphinx (Paonias excaecata).

The fruits are particularly good when made into jams or pies. Traditionally, an herbal heart tonic primarily made from powdered berry seeds was famous throughout the world. Modern research has confirmed its use for hypertension, weak heart, angina pectoralis, and atherosclerosis.