Plant Identification Learning Module:
Fruits & Nuts
Mayhaw (Crataegus spp.)
Mayhaw generally grows as a deciduous shrub, or small tree, with thorns and moderately small leaves of varying shapes depending on the species. The flowers of five white petals, sometimes six, bloom before the leaves appear. Mayhaw fruit are small (1/2 to 2/3 inches in diameter), round, fragrant, acid and juicy. The fruit resembles cranberries in appearance, crabapple in flavor, and may be green, yellow, orange, red, russet, or even purplish at maturity. Mayhaw can be found growing naturally in North and Central Florida.