Mayhaw Trees: A Guide to Growing, Using, and Enjoying
What is a Mayhaw Tree?
Mayhaw trees are small, native trees that grow in the southern United States. They produce a small, tart fruit that can be used to make jams, jellies, desserts, and wine. Mayhaw trees are also popular ornamental trees, thanks to their early spring blooms.
Mayhaw Tree Characteristics
- Native to the southern United States
- Small, tart fruit
- Early spring blooms
- Can be used as an ornamental tree or for its fruit
- Relative of the hawthorn tree
Growing Mayhaw Trees from Seed
Growing mayhaw trees from seed is a simple and reliable way to propagate these trees. However, it can take a long time for the seeds to germinate.
How to Grow Mayhaw Trees from Seed
- Collect mayhaw seeds from ripe fruit in the fall.
- Store the seeds in moist paper towels in a sealed bag in the refrigerator for 12 weeks. This process, called cold stratification, mimics the natural overwintering of seeds.
- After 12 weeks, remove the seeds from the refrigerator and sow them in a pot filled with moist potting mix.
- Keep the pot in a warm, sunny location.
- The seeds should germinate within a few weeks.
When to Plant Mayhaw Seeds
The best time to plant mayhaw seeds is in early spring, after the last frost. You can also sow the seeds directly from ripe fruit in the fall, but this method is less reliable.
Other Ways to Propagate Mayhaw Trees
In addition to growing mayhaw trees from seed, you can also propagate them from cuttings or by grafting.
- Cuttings: Take cuttings from healthy, mature mayhaw trees in the spring or summer. Root the cuttings in moist potting mix and keep them in a warm, humid environment.
- Grafting: Grafting is a more advanced technique that involves joining two pieces of plant material together. Mayhaw trees can be grafted onto hawthorn rootstock.
Mayhaw Tree Care
Mayhaw trees are relatively low-maintenance trees. They prefer moist, well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade. Mayhaw trees should be pruned in the late winter or early spring to remove dead or diseased branches and to shape the tree.
Mayhaw Tree Uses
Mayhaw trees have a variety of uses, including:
- Fruit: The fruit of the mayhaw tree can be used to make jams, jellies, desserts, and wine.
- Wildlife: Mayhaw trees attract a variety of wildlife, including birds, squirrels, and deer.
- Ornamental: Mayhaw trees are popular ornamental trees, thanks to their early spring blooms.
Mayhaw Tree Benefits
Mayhaw trees offer a number of benefits, including:
- Easy to grow: Mayhaw trees are relatively easy to grow and care for.
- Fruit production: Mayhaw trees produce a large amount of fruit, which can be used for a variety of purposes.
- Wildlife benefits: Mayhaw trees attract a variety of wildlife, which can help to improve the biodiversity of your landscape.
- Ornamental value: Mayhaw trees are beautiful ornamental trees, with their early spring blooms and attractive foliage.
Conclusion
Mayhaw trees are a versatile and valuable addition to any landscape. They are easy to grow, produce a large amount of fruit, and attract a variety of wildlife. Mayhaw trees can also be used as ornamental trees, thanks to their early spring blooms and attractive foliage.
