Mayhaw

Crataegus opaca, rose family. Uncommon in East Texas.

At a glance

What: Small red haws
How: The classic jelly; juice
When: May, as the name says
Where: Wet bottomlands and swamp edges of East Texas
Value: Sugars, pectin, vitamin C

Caution: Eat the flesh; the small seeds are not chewed. Never eat a wild plant on this guide's word alone. Confirm identity against several sources and learn the look-alikes first.

Harvesting

Mayhaws drop into the water and shallows below the tree; traditional gatherers float them out with nets. A wet-footed harvest with a devoted following.

In the kitchen

Mayhaw jelly is a genuine Southern delicacy, tart and bright pink, and the whole reason anyone learns this tree.

Photo: USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database / USDA NRCS. Wetland flora: Field , Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons.

Forages well with

Southern Crabapple

Malus angustifolia

Tree Fruit

Chickasaw Plum

Prunus angustifolia

Shrub Fruit

Forage safely. Never eat a wild plant on this site's word alone. Confirm identity with several sources, learn the look-alikes, and when in doubt, leave it in the ground.