| Crataegus aestivalis | |
|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| (unranked): | Angiosperms |
| (unranked): | Eudicots |
| (unranked): | Rosids |
| Order: | Rosales |
| Family: | Rosaceae |
| Genus: | Crataegus |
| Series: | Aestivales (Sarg. ex C.K.Schneid.) Rehder |
| Species: | C. aestivalis |
| Binomial name | |
| Crataegus aestivalis (Walter) Torr. & A.Gray |
|
Crataegus aestivalis, known as the Eastern May Hawthorn, is a shrub or small tree of the southeastern US that grows in low-lying or wet areas from eastern Alabama to central Florida and Virginia. It is one of several species of hawthorn with fruits known as "mayhaws", which are harvested for use in making mayhaw jelly, a delicacy treasured by those few lucky enough to know it. Other species of mayhaws include Crataegus opaca, the western May Hawthorn, which is native from east Texas to Alabama. The jelly is of a warm rosy color with a delicate flavor sometimes described as feral. It is sometimes commercially available at farm stands or specialty southern food stores. It is also made for sale by the prisoners at the Louisiana State Penitentiary.