May Haw Crataegus nitida

Crataegus, or Hawthorn, is a genus of a small tree or shrub that includes many species and varieties found throughout the Southeast from the eastern swamps and river bottoms to the western mountain ridges. Crataegus nitida, or Glossy Hawthorn, is a tree found primarily along the Mississippi River floodplain although it is becoming rare. It has a dense rounded crown which is often irregular in appearance, with lower limbs sweeping outwards under the erect upper limbs. It also can be found growing as a multi-trunk shrub. The stems can have up to 2-inch long thorns although they are sometimes stunted or not present. It grows in slightly acidic to alkaline clay to gritty sandy soils in sun to light shade.

The 2-inch racemes of white flowers can be showy although they don't have a pleasant odor. The leaves are glossy and have a red-orange fall color. The red fruit is edible and sometimes used for jellies.

Glossy Hawthorn grows well in moist, well-drained soils in full sun. It tolerates a wide range of soil, including clay, light shade, some drought, and urban pollutants. Although this tree is drought and pollution tolerant, it is not a great landscape tree due to its susceptibility to disease and insects. It is best used in native restorations. It can also be pruned to a low height and, with its formidable thorns, used as a barrier plant on property borders or in hedges.

Insect, Disease, and Plant Problems:

Fireblight and rusts can be problematic with this species, as can various borers and mites. Thorns can present a hazard to children.