How much sun does Eastern mayhaw need?

Eastern mayhaw grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Eastern mayhaw bloom?

Eastern mayhaw blooms in February and March.

Where is Eastern mayhaw native?

Eastern mayhaw (Crataegus aestivalis) is native to AL, FL, GA, MS and 2 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).

What butterflies or moths does Eastern mayhaw host?

Eastern mayhaw is a larval host plant for red-spotted purple.

Eastern mayhaw

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Crataegus aestivalis

Last reviewed: September 2026

Eastern mayhaw (Crataegus aestivalis) is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs or cats (aspca.org (opens in new tab), last reviewed 2026-08-15). If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

Light

full sun

Water

high

Size

120"–300" H × 120"–240" W

Bloom

Feb, Mar

Native to

AL, FL, GA, MS and 2 more states

Pollinators

bees, flies

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Middle Atlantic Coastal Plain Southeastern Plains Southern Coastal Plain

A small deciduous tree of wet lowlands with thorny branches, white spring flowers, and tart red fruit that ripens by early summer. It tolerates seasonally wet soil better than most fruiting trees.

Wildlife value

Host plant for red-spotted purple.

Spring flowers feed early bees, the fruit is used for jelly and eaten by wildlife, and the leaves host red-spotted purple caterpillars.

Common questions

How much sun does Eastern mayhaw need?: Eastern mayhaw grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Eastern mayhaw bloom?: Eastern mayhaw blooms in February and March.
Where is Eastern mayhaw native?: Eastern mayhaw (Crataegus aestivalis) is native to AL, FL, GA, MS and 2 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
Is Eastern mayhaw toxic to dogs?: Eastern mayhaw is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs (aspca.org).
Is Eastern mayhaw toxic to cats?: Eastern mayhaw is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for cats (aspca.org).
What butterflies or moths does Eastern mayhaw host?: Eastern mayhaw is a larval host plant for red-spotted purple.

Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

If something looks wrong

Common plant problems, and what to check first

These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.

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