Eastern Mayhaw

Buy Eastern Mayhaw Trees for sale at Advanced Nursery Growers in DeFuniak Springs, Florida.

The Eastern Mayhaw (Crataegus aestivalis) is a native southeastern fruit tree treasured for its beautiful spring flowers and small, tart red fruit traditionally used to make the famous Southern delicacy, mayhaw jelly.

Native to Florida and much of the southeastern United States, Eastern Mayhaw naturally grows around wetlands, creek bottoms, ponds, seasonal swamps and other moist areas. Despite its association with wetlands, it can also grow successfully in ordinary garden and orchard soils when provided adequate moisture.

In early spring, the tree produces attractive clusters of white flowers that provide an important early source of nectar and pollen for bees and other pollinators. The flowers are followed by small apple-like fruits that mature during spring to early summer. The tart fruit is especially prized for making jelly, preserves, syrup, juice and other traditional Southern recipes.

Eastern Mayhaw is an excellent choice for North Florida edible landscapes, native gardens, wildlife plantings and home orchards.

Plant Details:

• Plant Type: Native deciduous fruiting tree or large shrub
• Botanical Name: Crataegus aestivalis
• Common Names: Eastern Mayhaw, Mayhaw, May Hawthorn, Apple Hawthorn
• Family: Rosaceae
• Native: Yes — native to Florida and the southeastern United States
• Mature Height: Approximately 15–30+ ft.; older specimens may become larger
• Mature Spread: Approximately 15–30 ft. depending on training and growing conditions
• Growth Rate: Moderate
• Sun: Full sun for best flowering and fruit production; tolerates partial shade
• USDA Zones: Approximately Zones 6–9, with a broader range reported for the species
• Flowers: Clusters of showy white flowers in early spring
• Fruit: Small, round, apple-like fruit that ripens red
• Fruit Flavor: Tart to pleasantly acidic
• Harvest: Generally spring to early summer; timing varies with location and weather
• Fruit Uses: Jelly, preserves, syrup, juice, sauces and traditional Southern recipes
• Pollination: A second genetically different mayhaw with an overlapping bloom period is recommended for the best and most reliable fruit production
• Soil: Adaptable to sandy, loamy and clay soils; performs especially well in moist soil
• Soil Moisture: Moist to wet; established trees can also adapt to moderately well-drained landscape sites
• Wet Soil Tolerance: Excellent
• Landscape Uses: Home orchard, edible landscape, native garden, rain garden, pond or creek edge, wildlife planting, specimen tree and naturalized areas
• Wildlife Value: Flowers provide food for pollinators and fruit provides food for birds and other wildlife
• Special Feature: One of the classic native Southern fruits used for mayhaw jelly

Pollination:

For the best fruit production, we recommend planting at least two genetically different mayhaw trees that flower at approximately the same time.

Although some mayhaw selections may produce fruit by themselves, cross-pollination generally improves fruit set and provides more dependable crops.

If purchasing a named mayhaw cultivar, choose a pollinator with a compatible bloom period.

North Florida Growing Note:

Eastern Mayhaw is very well suited to North Florida and the Florida Panhandle, including the DeFuniak Springs area.

Unlike many fruit trees that struggle with our warm winters, humid summers or wet soils, mayhaw is a southeastern native adapted to many of these conditions.

Mayhaws naturally occur in low, wet areas, but they do not have to be planted in a swamp. They can grow very well in ordinary landscape or orchard sites as long as they receive adequate moisture.

For home fruit production, a sunny location with moist, reasonably well-drained soil is an excellent choice.

One consideration in North Florida is the possibility of a late winter or early spring freeze after the tree begins blooming. A location with good air drainage can help reduce frost damage to early flowers.

Growing Tips:

Plant Eastern Mayhaw in full sun when maximum fruit production is desired.

Keep newly planted trees consistently watered while they establish their root systems.

Mayhaws appreciate moisture and are an especially good option for parts of the landscape where the soil stays wetter than many traditional fruit trees would tolerate.

Mulch around the root zone to conserve moisture and reduce weed competition, but keep mulch several inches away from the trunk.

Young trees can be trained to a single trunk if a traditional tree form is desired. Removing lower branches as the tree develops can make harvesting and maintenance easier.

Mature mayhaws generally require only moderate pruning to remove dead, damaged, crowded or crossing branches and to maintain good light penetration through the canopy.

Fruit & Harvest:

Mayhaw fruit resembles a very small crabapple and typically develops a red color as it ripens.

The fruit is naturally tart and is best known for making mayhaw jelly, one of the traditional specialty foods of the Deep South.

Mayhaws can also be used for:

• Jelly
• Jam and preserves
• Syrup
• Juice
• Sauces
• Desserts
• Homemade specialty products

Native & Wildlife Value:

Eastern Mayhaw provides much more than edible fruit.

Its white spring flowers attract bees and other beneficial pollinating insects, while the fruit can provide food for birds and wildlife.

Because it is native to the Southeast and tolerant of periodically wet soil, it is also an excellent tree for native plantings, wildlife gardens and naturalized areas around ponds and low portions of the landscape.

Important Note:

Eastern Mayhaw may naturally develop thorns, particularly on some seedlings and branches. Thorniness can vary from tree to tree and among selected varieties.

Contact Advanced Nursery Growers

Advanced Nursery Growers
1911 McLeod Road
DeFuniak Springs, FL 32435

Phone: 850-391-2228
Email: info@advancednurserygrowers.com

Local pickup is available for most plants and trees.

Limited shipping may be available for select trees, liners, and smaller plants. Not all plants or sizes are eligible for shipping. Please contact Advanced Nursery Growers before placing an order that requires shipping so we can confirm shipping eligibility, availability, packaging requirements and shipping cost.

Wholesale

Wholesale availability may be offered to qualified nurseries and landscapers when inventory allows.