Crabapple Tree Facts

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Overview

Malus angustifolia, also known as southern crabapple and the wild crabapple, is native to the United States. It, like all apples, is a member of the Rosaceae, or rose, family.

Crabapples are a shrubby tree. image by "Good morning neighbour!!!!" is Copyrighted by Flickr user: lepiaf.geo (Gordana Adamovic-Mladenovic) under the Creative Commons Attribution license.

Description

Crabapples are a compact tree, around 25 to 30 feet tall. It has spreading branches and a round crown. It will flower in March, April and May and bloom in pink. Fruits are apples.

Growth

Crabapples prefer to be in partial shade and moist, well-drained soil. Space and drainage are key factors in crabapple growth.

Propagation

To propagate a crabapple tree, remove the suckers and plant the sprouts in the latter part of winter to root. Seeds sown in the fall are a simpler method of propagation.

Diseases

Prone to many diseases, the crabapple needs to be checked for apple scab, canker, fire blight, scale and cedar apple rust. Insects that infest trees are eastern tent caterpillars, insect borers and aphids.

Warning

This tree can spawn thorns that can cause injury. Keep them away from children and pets.

References

Auburn University
Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center

Keywords: crabapples, malus angustifolia, compact tree

About this Author

T.M. Samuels has been a freelance writer since 1993. She has published works in "Arthritis Today," "Alabama Living" and "Mature Years," and is the author of a gardening book. Samuels studied pre-medicine at Berry College.

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