The Mayhaw tree, Crataegus aestivalis, is a slow-growing native North American tree that reaches a height of 30 feet with a rounded canopy that spreads to 35 feet or more. The dark green, deciduous leaves are often three-lobed and have red/brown undersides. The sparkling white, showy springtime flowers appear before the new leaves unfurl and are followed by the production of large, red-dotted fruits. The spreading, low branching habit of growth makes this best suited for planting in a large open area of turf. If regular pruning can be provided to keep low, drooping branches pruned, it can be located closer to a walk.
Mayhaw trees have small, round reddish fruit that are about 1/2 to 3/4 inch in diameter and resembles a crabapple. It ripens from mid-April early May, hence the name mayhaw. After frost, the leaves turn a beautiful yellow. Although the tree is naturally found in wet, shady sites, it is well adapted to drier, better-drained land and produces more and better fruit in full sunlight. The trees are long-lived and are known to produce fruit for more than 50 years. They are more resistant to disease and can withstand low temperatures better than common fruit trees.