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Form
Large shrub or small tree with an outline ranging from low and
rounded to narrow and upright. There are pendulous and horizontal
forms.
Leaves
Simple, alternate leaves are oval to oblong, 2" –
4" long and 1" to 2" wide, with toothed margins.
Color varies from medium or dark green to red or purple.
Fall Color
Yellow to orange to red-orange.
Stem/Buds/Bark
Young stem is red-purple to red-brown and hairy, becoming smooth
and gray or gray-brown with age. The buds are oval with several
scales. Bark develops irregular, shallow furrows on the trunk.
Flowers
Flowers occur in groups often on short shoots or spurs. Individual
flowers have five small petals and generally are 1" –
1 1/2" wide. Buds may be one color, opening to a flower of
a different color. Broad color range includes white, pink, red,
carmine and rose; showy.
Flowering Time
March through May.
Fruit
A small apple, 2" in diameter or less, which is showy and
persistent on some cultivars. Colors include red, orange, yellow
and green.
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Landscape Uses
Crabapples are valued as small ornamental trees for residential
lawns, public and commercial grounds and highway plantings.
Variations in form, flower color, bloom time, fruit and foliage
make it a versatile plant. The degree of disease resistance
as well as ornamental assets should be taken into consideration
when choosing a particular crabapple for landscape use. Many
disease resistant cultivars are available.
Major Landscape Features
Small to medium specimen tree; showy flowers and fruits;
many forms.
Hardiness Range
3 – 8
Native Habitat
N. America, Asia, Europe
Height
10 – 30 feet
Growth Rate
Medium
Spread
10 – 35 feet
Exposure
Sun
Culture
Crabapples are very adaptable to most conditions but do
require a well-drained soil. They grow best in deep, fertile,
moist loam with an acid pH. Disease resistance, fruit and
flowers are enhanced with full sun. Keep basal suckers pruned
away. Excess fertilization or pruning may increase disease
susceptibility.
Pest Problems
Insects – Borers, scales.
Diseases – Fire blight, cedar apple rust, apple scab,
canker, powdery mildew.
Cultivars
There is an extensive list of hybrids and cultivars varying
in disease resistance and all ornamental characteristics including
habit and color of fruit and flower. Malus species used include
M. arnoldiana, M. floribunda and M. sargentii.
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