Malus angustifolia

Product Info

Wild Crabapple (Malus angustifolia)
Rose Family

Wild Crabapple is a small deciduous tree native to the southeastern US. It typically reaches 15–25’ and often forms thickets via root suckers. The species is well adapted to a variety of well-drained soils and performs best in full sun to partial shade. In early to mid-spring, it produces fragrant pink flowers that attract a wide range of insects, including specialist pollinators. After flowering, the tree produces small, tart crabapples that ripen in late summer and are consumed by birds and mammals. The fruits are edible to humans, but are extremely sour and astringent when raw. However, their high pectin content makes them well-suited for use in preserves, ciders, and crabapple butter. It is self-incompatible, meaning that a single tree will not set much fruit on its own. For a good fruit set, plant near another genetically distinct individual. Plant in a site with good air circulation and prune for airflow to minimize susceptibility to typical crabapple diseases such as apple scab or cedar-apple rust.

Blooms: Pink, 2-3 weeks, Apr-May
Leaves: Small, varied colors
Height: 15-25’
Space: 12-15'
Soil: Average
Exposure: Full sun-Part sun-Part shade
Fauna: High value-specialist pollinators, host  to hundreds of lepidoptera, fruit for wildlife
Seeds: 1” yellow-green fruit are sour and ripe in late summer
Deer Resistance: Low
Zone: 4-9
Native Status: NC native, common in the Coastal Plain, uncommon in the Piedmont and Mountains 
Provenance: Unknown, seed grown