May Hawthorn (Crataegus aestivalis) -
The May Hawthorn is a slow-growing native North American tree that reaches a height of 30 feet with a rounded canopy that spreads to 35 feet or more. The dark green, deciduous leaves are often three-lobed and have red/brown undersides. The leaves display no appreciable fall color. The showy white, beautiful springtime flowers appear before the new leaves unfurl and are followed by the production of large, red-dotted fruits. Liking to live in zones 6A through 11, the spreading, low branching habit of the May Hawthorn makes this tree best suited for planting in a large open area of turf. If regular pruning can be provided to keep low, drooping branches pruned, it can be located closer to a walk. According to Dr. J. C. Raulston at North Carolina State University, this may be one of the best Hawthorns for the south due to superior disease resistance.
