NATIVE PLANT of the month: MAYHAW, Crataegus opaca

6 days ago

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Mayhaw, Crataegus opaca, is a native perennial fruit tree that grows to

30’. Mayhaw is the official fruit tree of Louisiana. This tree produces

white and pink blooms in February and March. Tart red berries that look

like little crab apples ripen in the spring. Mayhaw loves to grow in part

shade in wet soil. It is thorny and is a little untidy. Some find this tree is

better suited to backyards. Pruning this tree to encourage an open

canopy will increase fruit production. Bees, butterflies, and moths love to

pollinate this plant.

Mayhaw jelly is loved for its wild fruity flavor. The fruit can also be used

to make jam, syrup and juice. You can eat the fruit raw, but it is not very

tasty. The easiest way to harvest Mayhaw is to place a sheet or tarp

under the tree and shake.

This tree can be propagated by seed and cuttings. After cleaning the

seeds, place them in moist sand in the refrigerator for 2 months. To

germinate, place the seeds in moist potting soil. It can take several

months for the seeds to germinate. For cuttings, cut 6” sections of

healthy spring growth stems and remove the bottom leaves. Apply

growth hormone and place in a moist mixture of peat and perlite. Cover

with a clear plastic bag to retain moisture.

Cultivars are sold in many nurseries, so try to purchase the straight

species that are sure to retain characters important to ecological

function, like pollinator markings and seed fertility.

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