Mayhaw
Crataegus opaca
Last reviewed: June 2026
Crataegus opaca (Mayhaw) is a native deciduous tree found in Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas that blooms white flowers from March through May. This wetland-adapted hawthorn attracts bees and thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Mayhaw (Crataegus opaca) is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs or cats (aspca.org (opens in new tab), last reviewed 2026-05-21). If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.
Light
part sun
Water
medium
Size
240"–360" H × 240"–360" W
Bloom
Mar, Apr, May
Native to
AL, LA, MS, TX
Pollinators
bees
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Mayhaw is a small to medium-sized native Texas tree that produces clusters of white flowers in spring followed by edible red berries. This deciduous tree has a rounded canopy and works well as a shade tree or specimen plant in larger landscapes.
Growing Mayhaw
Grow Mayhaw in part sun and medium water. Mature plants reach 240 to 360 inches tall and spread 240 to 360 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Mayhaw takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Tree size exceeds typical HOA-friendly range
Wildlife value
The spring flowers attract bees and other pollinators, while the red berries provide food for birds and small mammals.
Common questions
- When does Mayhaw bloom?
- Crataegus opaca blooms from March through May, producing clusters of white flowers that attract bees and other pollinators.
- Where is Mayhaw native?
- Mayhaw is native to the southeastern United States, specifically Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas, where it grows naturally in wetland areas and floodplains.
- What pollinators visit Mayhaw?
- Bees are the primary pollinators of Crataegus opaca, visiting the white flower clusters during the spring blooming period.
- Is Mayhaw toxic to dogs?
- Mayhaw is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs (aspca.org).
- Is Mayhaw toxic to cats?
- Mayhaw is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for cats (aspca.org).
- Is Mayhaw HOA-friendly?
- Mayhaw takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Does Mayhaw fit your yard? Open it in Pollinator Patch to check it against your sun, soil, and HOA-conscious filters.