| Crataegus opaca | |
|---|---|
| |
| Conservation status | |
 Least Concern (IUCN 3.1) | |
Scientific classification 
| |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Clade: | Rosids |
| Order: | Rosales |
| Family: | Rosaceae |
| Genus: | Crataegus |
| Section: | Crataegus sect. Coccineae |
| Series: | Crataegus ser. Aestivales |
| Species: | C. opaca |
| Binomial name | |
| Crataegus opaca Hooker & Arn. | |
Crataegus opaca, known as the western mayhaw, is a shrub or small tree of the southern United States. It is one of several species of hawthorn with fruits known as "mayhaws".
Description
Crataegus opaca can be characterized as either a small tree or large shrub, with typical height ranging from 12–36 feet (3.7–11.0 m). It has a tall and narrow trunk with a rounded crown and spiny branches. It has oval, dark green leaves and when in bloom, clusters of pink or white flowers. Its fruits are relatively large and have a cranberry-red color when ripe. Blooms usually appear between February and March, and the fruit ripens from May to June.
Habitat
This species prefers wet, rich, and acidic soils, and is located in low woods, creeks, and river bottoms, often in standing water. Its native distribution ranges from Alabama west to Texas, and north to Arkansas.
Uses
The fruits, known as mayhaws, are commonly used to make jams, preserves, and jellies. While the fruits are bitter raw, the jelly produced from them is highly prized for its flavor.
References
- IUCN SSC Global Tree Specialist Group & Botanic Gardens Conservation International (BGCI) (2020). "Crataegus opaca". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2020: e.T152909538A152909540. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2020-1.RLTS.T152909538A152909540.en. Retrieved 2 June 2024.
- Phipps, J.B. (2015), "Crataegus opaca Hooker & Arnott, Compan. Bot. Mag. 1: 25. 1835", in L. Brouillet; K. Gandhi; C.L. Howard; H. Jeude; R.W. Kiger; J.B. Phipps; A.C. Pryor; H.H. Schmidt; J.L. Strother; J.L. Zarucchi (eds.), Magnoliophyta: Picramniaceae to Rosaceae, Flora of North America North of Mexico, vol. 9, New York, Oxford: Oxford University Press
- ^ "Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center - The University of Texas at Austin". www.wildflower.org. Retrieved 2019-03-06.
- ^ "Wild Harvest: Texas' Bounty of Native Fruits|| TPW magazine|August/September 2013". tpwmagazine.com. Retrieved 2019-03-06.
| Taxon identifiers | |
|---|---|
| Crataegus opaca |
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