Crataegus opaca, commonly known as Western Mayhaw, is a deciduous plant that can be classified as either a small tree or a large shrub, native to river swamps and lowland wet areas in the Southern United States. It typically grows to a height of 12–36 feet (3.7–11.0 m) with a tall and narrow trunk, a rounded crown, and spiny branches. The leaves are oval and dark green, providing a dense canopy. In spring, usually between February and March, it produces showy clusters of pink or white flowers, followed by the development of cranberry-red fruits that ripen from May to June. These fruits, known as mayhaws, are notable for their use in making jams, preserves, and jellies, and are highly prized for their unique flavor, although they are bitter when raw.

Western Mayhaw is valued for its ornamental flowers and the wildlife habitat it provides. It is often used in wetland or riparian restoration projects and as a fruiting ornamental in water gardens or naturalized areas. The plant prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade, and it requires high amounts of water, making it suitable for moist to wet soil conditions with varying drainage capabilities. While it is not commonly afflicted by serious disease or pest problems, leaf spot and fire blight can occasionally affect the plant. It is important to note that the mayhaw’s spiny branches can make maintenance somewhat challenging.CC BY-SA 4.0