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Native Plant Society of Texas

Mayhaw

Crataegus opaca

Other common name(s):

Western Mayhaw, May Hawthorn, Riverflat Hawthorn, Applehaw, May Haw

Family:

Rosaceae (Rose Family)

Plant Ecoregion Distribution Map

This map uses data from the US EPA. EPA  servers have been offline frequently so maps may not display. We are working on a solution.

Gulf Coast Prairies and Marshes, Western Gulf Coastal Plain
Northern Humid Gulf Coastal Prairies, Texas-Louisiana Coastal Marshes
Flatwoods, Southern Tertiary Uplands

Plant Characteristics

Growth Form

Tree

Height

20
to
30
ft.

Spread

20
to
30
ft.

Leaf Retention

Deciduous

Lifespan

Perennial

Habitat and Care Requirements

Soil Type(s)

Loam, Clay, Rich, Well Drained, Poor Drainage, Moist

Light Requirement

Part Shade

Water Requirement

Medium, High

Native Habitat

Woodland, Wetland or Riparian

Bloom and Attraction

Bloom Color

White

Bloom Season

Spring

Seasonal Interest

Fruit, Pollen

Wildlife Benefit

Birds, Small Mammals, Bees

Maintenance

A very easily grown plant, Adapts to a variety of soils. Moderate growth rate. Used in landscapes as an ornamental tree or hedge. Takes from 5-8 years before they start bearing fruit. Seedlings should not be left in a seedbed for more than 2 years without being transplanted. Propagation: seed.

Comments

Blooms February-March. Grows as a small tree or shrub, with spiny branches and oval to oblong, dark-green leaves. Clusters of pink or white flowers appear before and with the leaves. When freshly open, the flowers have a pleasant balsamic scent that turns foetid, somewhat like decaying fish. This attracts midges that assist with fertilization. The round, red, fleshy fruit ripens from May to June.
Previous Scientific Name(s): Crataegus nudiflora

References

Learn about how to propagate Texas native plants.

Material Treatment Method Collection References
Seed Stratification Shhould be warm stratified for 3 months at 15°c and then cold stratified for another 3 months at 4°c[164]. It may still take another 18 months to germinate[78]. This is best sown as soon as it is ripe in the autumn in a cold frame, some of the seed will germinate in the spring, though most will probably take another year. Stored seed can be very slow and erratic to germinate. https://pfaf.org/user/plant.aspx?LatinName=Crataegus+opaca#:~:text=Edible%20Uses:,a%20single%20seed%5BK%5D.
Seed Scarification Scarifying the seed before stratifying it might reduce this time[80]. Fermenting the seed for a few days in its own pulp may also speed up the germination process[K]. https://pfaf.org/user/plant.aspx?LatinName=Crataegus+opaca#:~:text=Edible%20Uses:,a%20single%20seed%5BK%5D.
Seed No Treatment Sow it immediately in a cold frame. If timed well, it can germinate in the spring. Harvest the seed 'green' (as soon as the embryo has fully developed but before the seedcoat hardens). https://pfaf.org/user/plant.aspx?LatinName=Crataegus+opaca#:~:text=Edible%20Uses:,a%20single%20seed%5BK%5D.

About the Region

Fall Symposium 2025 Logo - Teach for the Future

Salado, the location of our Fall 2025 Symposium, lies at the intersection of two ecoregions: the Edwards Plateau (Limestone Cut Plain) and Blackland Prairie (Northern Blackland Prairie).

The Edwards Plateau area is also called the Hill Country; however, this general term covers a much larger area extending farther north. Spring-fed creeks are found throughout the region; deep limestone canyons, rivers, and lakes (reservoirs) are common. Ashe juniper is perhaps the most common woody species found throughout the region. Additional woody species include various species of oak, with live oak (Quercus fusiformis) being the most common. Sycamores (Platanus occidentalis) and bald cypress (Taxodium distichum) border waterways. This area is well known for its spring wildflower displays, though they may be viewed in spring, late summer, and fall, as well. According to Texas Parks and Wildlife, average annual rainfall in the Edwards Plateau ranges from 15 to 34 inches.

The Blackland Prairie extends from the Red River south to San Antonio, bordered on the west by the Edwards Plateau and the Cross Timbers, and on the east by the Post Oak Savannah. Annual rainfall averages 30 to 40 inches, with higher averages to the east. This region is dominated by prairie species. The most common grass species include little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium) and Indian grass (Sorghastrum nutans) in the uplands and switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) in the riparian areas and drainages. Common herbaceous flowering plants include salvias, penstemons, and silphiums. This area has suffered greatly from overgrazing and agricultural use. Few intact areas remain, though many of the plants can be found along county roadsides throughout the region.

Our fall Symposium host chapter, the Tonkawa Chapter, includes both of these ecoregions.

Source: Wildflowers of Texas by Michael Eason