Crataegus rufula

Crataegus rufula, or Crataegus × rufula, known as the rusty hawthorn or rufous mayhaw, is a shrub or small tree of the south eastern United States. It is one of several species of hawthorn with fruits known as "mayhaws", which are harvested for use in making mayhaw jelly. It is thought to be a hybrid between the other two species of mayhaw.

Description

A shrub or small tree. It grows 3-5 m tall. The new twigs have rusty coatings. The twigs have thorns. The leaves are oval and 2.5-4.5 cm long. The flowers are in groups of 2-5. The fruit are red and 1 cm across.

Edible Uses

The fruit are used to make jelly.

Traditional Uses

The fruit are used for jelly.

This uses section is brief — help expand it

Distribution

It is a temperate plant. It grows in ditches and near streams between 10-100 m above sea level.

Where It Grows

North America, USA,

Cultivation

Plants can be grown from seed. The seed need cold treatment. Plants can also be grafted.

Notes

There are 200 or more Crataegus species. It is probably a hybrid between 2 Crataegus species.

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