Crabapple
 

Mature Size, Growth, Longevity

Average mature size of 15-25' tall and 8-20' wide, but great variation among the available species and cultivars. Medium to fast growth rate. Relatively short lifespan, 50-75 years.

Native Range

Native to North America, Europe and Asia. Most species are not native to the United States, but about 200 types are grown in N. American nurseries.

Flower and Fruit Details

Flower color variable by the chosen cultivar, commonly white to pink, carmine to red to rose or purple. Fruits are classified as pomes, generally round and fleshy. Colors range from red to yellow to orange to purple or green. If fruit diameter is typically 2" or less it is considered a crabapple. If diameter is typically over 2" it is considered an apple.

Leaf and Bark Features

Deciduous: Leaves are simple, alternate, ovate, and finely toothed around the margin. Some varieties have lobed leaves. Many types have a yellowish to orange fall color. Young bark is shiny gray-brown, scaly on older trunks.

Culture and Care

Best in a heavy loam, well-drained, moist, and acid soil, but quite adaptable. Tolerates clay. Plant in full sun for best flowers, fruits and fall color. Avoid shaded and low, wet areas. Zones 4-7. Pruning, if it is needed, should be done before mid- June, since that is when the following year's flower buds begin to form, from which will arise the next year's fruit crop. Asiatic forms are much more resistant to insect and diseases than North American native forms. Potential serious problems include fire blight, cedar-apple rust, apple scab, canker, scale, borers, aphids and Japanese beetles. Frog-eye leaf spot may occur.

Strengths, Weaknesses, Other Facts

Great displays of ornamental flowers and fruits, which are suitable for making crabapple jelly. Good wildlife value. 4-season interest: Spring, summer, fall & winter. Quite a long list of potential insect and disease problems. Many crabapples tend to send up numerous sucker sprouts from the base. These must be cut at ground level as they appear. There are over 700 cultivars of crabapples. The unique branching of most cultivars will offer an interesting winter appearance.

Suggested Uses

Often used as a specimen tree, or in groupings in the landscape. Some may be used as hedges or screens. Many have a unique architectural growth habit, offering picturesque winter interest.

Taxa and Plants of this Species at BCA