Biology:Crataegus opaca
| Crataegus opaca | |
|---|---|
| |
Scientific classification 
| |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Clade: | Rosids |
| Order: | Rosales |
| Family: | Rosaceae |
| Genus: | Crataegus |
| Section: | Crataegus sect. Coccineae |
| Series: | Crataegus ser. Aestivales |
| Species: | C. opaca
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| Binomial name | |
| Crataegus opaca Hooker & Arn.
| |
Crataegus opaca, known as the western mayhaw, is a shrub or small tree of the southern United States .[1] It is one of several species of hawthorn with fruits known as "mayhaws".
Description
Crataegus opaca can be characterized as either a small tree or large shrub, with typical height ranging from 12–36 feet (3.7–11.0 m).[2] It has a tall and narrow trunk with a rounded crown and spiny branches.[2] It has oval, dark green leaves and when in bloom, clusters of pink or white flowers.[2] Its fruits are relatively large and have a cranberry-red color when ripe.[3] Blooms usually appear between February and March, and the fruit ripens from May to June.[2]
Habitat
This species prefers wet, rich, and acidic soils, and is located in low woods, creeks, and river bottoms, often in standing water.[2][3] Its native distribution ranges from Alabama west to Texas , and north to Arkansas.[2]
Uses
The fruits, known as mayhaws, are commonly used to make jams, preserves, and jellies.[3] While the fruits are bitter raw, the jelly produced from them is highly prized for its flavor.[3]
References
- ↑ Phipps, J.B. (2015), "Crataegus opaca Hooker & Arnott, Compan. Bot. Mag. 1: 25. 1835", in L. Brouillet; K. Gandhi; C.L. Howard et al., Magnoliophyta: Picramniaceae to Rosaceae, Flora of North America North of Mexico, 9, New York, Oxford: Oxford University Press, http://www.efloras.org/florataxon.aspx?flora_id=1&taxon_id=250100141
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 "Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center - The University of Texas at Austin". https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=CROP.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 "Wild Harvest: Texas' Bounty of Native Fruits|| TPW magazine|August/September 2013". https://tpwmagazine.com/archive/2013/aug/ed_3_wildharvest/.
Wikidata ☰ Q18555704 entry
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