Crataegus aestivalis (Walter) Torrey & A. Gray. Eastern Mayhaw. Phen: Mar-Apr; Jun-Jul. Hab: Swamp forests, generally where flooded for much of the year, often flowering and fruiting while standing in water, often associated with Taxodium distichum, Nyssa aquatica, Nyssa biflora, and Planera aquatica, uncommon but sometimes locally abundant; occasionally growing as groves or stands in ‘mayhaw flats’. Dist: Se. NC south to n. FL and se. AL. A historic report of C. aestivalis in VA appears to be based on a single specimen collected 22 July 1934 by M.L. Fernald & B. Long, in Princess Anne County; this specimen is actually C. crus-galli.

Origin/Endemic status: Endemic

Taxonomy Comments: A related species, C. opaca Hooker & Arnott, occurs west of the range of C. aestivalis, in similar habitats. Plants with copious growth of reddish pubescence on the leaf undersides are included under C. ×rufula. See Phipps (1988) for extensive additional discussion of C. aestivalis and relatives.

Other Comments: The fruits of this and the other two species of "mayhaw" (C. opaca, C. rufula) are traditionally gathered for preserves, pies, and jelly.

Synonymy: = FNA9, K1, RAB, Lance (2014), Phipps (1988a); < Crataegus aestivalis (Walter) Torr. & A.Gray – K3, S

Show in key(s)

Show parent