Tschonoski Crabapple
 

Mature Size, Growth, Longevity

Gets to be a larger tree, 30-40' tall and 15' wide. Upright, columnar/pyramidal form.

Native Range

A rather rare form, introduced by the Arnold Arboretum from seeds collected in 1892 in Nikko, Japan, where it is native.

Flower and Fruit Details

Flowers light pink, changing to white, 1-1.25" diameter, but not extremely showy. Fruits are yellow-green with russet dotting, 1-1.25" diameter. Not very showy.

Leaf and Bark Features

Deciduous: Foliage is simple, alternate, whitish-gray or silver-gray at first, changing to dark green for the summer. Leaves tomentose when young, elliptic-ovate to ovate-oblong, and serrated around the margin. On young shoots, leaves appear almost white. Good orange-scarlet, apricot-red to purplish-red fall color. Bark starts out smooth and gray; becomes more flaky/scaly with age.

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. Has some problems with apple scab fungus. Severe fireblight susceptibility. Some susceptibility to rust, leaf spot, mildew and Japanese beetles.

Strengths, Weaknesses, Other Facts

Silver spring/summer foliage and great red fall color. Good wildlife value. 4-season interest: Spring, summer, fall & winter. Susceptible to diseases and lacking of showy flowers and fruit.

Suggested Uses

Due to its upright, columnar/pyramidal form, might work for highway plantings in the background where a taller crabapple is needed. Good for larger estates, parks & arboreta, especially near purple-foliaged trees/shrubs.

Taxa and Plants of this Species at BCA