bio.wikisort.org - Plant

Crataegus opaca, known as the western mayhaw, is a shrub or small tree of the southern United States.[1] It is one of several species of hawthorn with fruits known as "mayhaws".

Crataegus opaca
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.

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).[2] It has a tall and narrow trunk with a rounded crown and spiny branches.[2] It has oval, dark green leaves and when in bloom, clusters of pink or white flowers.[2] Its fruits are relatively large and have a cranberry-red color when ripe.[3] Blooms usually appear between February and March, and the fruit ripens from May to June.[2]

Habitat

This species prefers wet, rich, and acidic soils, and is located in low woods, creeks, and river bottoms, often in standing water.[2][3] Its native distribution ranges from Alabama west to Texas, and north to Arkansas.[2]

Uses

The fruits, known as mayhaws, are commonly used to make jams, preserves, and jellies.[3] While the fruits are bitter raw, the jelly produced from them is highly prized for its flavor.[3]

References

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