Plant DetailShow Menu

Common Crabapple Malus sylvestris

Other Common Name(s):

Previously known as:

  • M. pumila
Phonetic Spelling
MAY-lus sil-VES-tris
This plant has low severity poison characteristics.
See below
Description

The Common Crabapple is a flowering, deciduous tree typically found growing in its native Europe and Turkey in woods containing oak. At maturity, it can reach a height of 32 feet. It is a food source for many undomesticated animals.  It can grow individually or in a small group along forest edges, thickets hedgerows, and roadsides as well as in a variety of soils, including clay. The genus name is Latin for apple. The species name means of the forest.

The Common Crabapple prefers a sunny location, but will grow in partial shade.  However, a sunny location with moist soil provides the best environment for producing flowers and fruits. It will tolerate most soil types, but prefers well-drained soils.

The Clemson Cooperative Extension Home and Garden Information Center has a factsheet on common apple and crab apple diseases and other plant problems.

The Common Crabapple is often used for rootstock. Loss of habitat is a major issue for the survival of this rare tree.  Its native countries have set up seed bank collections and conservation areas to help the species survive. 

Insects, Diseases and Other Plant Problems: 

Susceptible to honey fungus.  The toxin hydrogen cyanide is contained in the seeds and possibly the leaves of this tree.  

See this plant in the following landscape:
Extension Master Gardenerâ„  Demonstration Garden, Durham Co.
Cultivars / Varieties:
  • 'Prairie fire'
'Prairie fire'
Tags:
#deciduous#poisonous#deciduous shrub#flowering tree#fruit tree#frost tolerant#edible garden#deciduous tree#clay soils tolerant#problem for cats#problem for dogs#problem for horses
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
  • 'Prairie fire'
'Prairie fire'
Tags:
#deciduous#poisonous#deciduous shrub#flowering tree#fruit tree#frost tolerant#edible garden#deciduous tree#clay soils tolerant#problem for cats#problem for dogs#problem for horses
  • Attributes:
    Genus:
    Malus
    Species:
    sylvestris
    Family:
    Rosaceae
    Uses (Ethnobotany):
    Rich in pectin, the fruit, raw or cooked, is used for jellies, preserves and juices.
    Life Cycle:
    Woody
    Recommended Propagation Strategy:
    Root Cutting
    Seed
    Stem Cutting
    Country Or Region Of Origin:
    Europe and Turkey
    Distribution:
    Australia and Argentina
    Fire Risk Rating:
    high flammability
    Wildlife Value:
    Noted for attracting birds and other wildlife to eat the fruit.
    Play Value:
    Attracts Pollinators
    Wildlife Food Source
    Edibility:
    EDIBLE PARTS: Apples, but discard the seeds. HARVEST TIME: Only collect fruit from areas you know have NOT been treated with pesticides. SAFE HANDLING PROCEDURES: Wash fruit thoroughly with warm water to remove dirt and debris. Do not use dish detergent or any type of sanitizer. These products can leave a residue. Wild apples are generally quite a bit smaller than cultivated varieties. They also tend to be somewhat harder and definitely more tart. Crab-apples can be used in place of domestic apples in many cooked recipes.
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Edible
    Poisonous
    Tree
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Deciduous
    Habit/Form:
    Dense
    Erect
    Rounded
    Growth Rate:
    Medium
    Maintenance:
    Medium
    Texture:
    Medium
  • Cultural Conditions:
    Light:
    Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
    Soil Texture:
    Clay
    Loam (Silt)
    Sand
    Soil pH:
    Acid (<6.0)
    Neutral (6.0-8.0)
    Soil Drainage:
    Good Drainage
    Moist
    Available Space To Plant:
    24-60 feet
    USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
    4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b
  • Fruit:
    Fruit Color:
    Gold/Yellow
    Green
    Red/Burgundy
    Fruit Value To Gardener:
    Edible
    Display/Harvest Time:
    Fall
    Fruit Type:
    Pome
    Fruit Length:
    1-3 inches
    Fruit Width:
    1-3 inches
    Fruit Description:
    Fleshy, green, yellow, or red with a tart flavor that is used for jellies, preserves, and juices. The fruit is a great source of pectin which is used as a thickener in jams. The seeds are poisonous.
  • Flowers:
    Flower Color:
    Pink
    White
    Flower Inflorescence:
    Cyme
    Flower Value To Gardener:
    Showy
    Flower Bloom Time:
    Spring
    Flower Shape:
    Cup
    Flower Petals:
    4-5 petals/rays
    Flower Description:
    Showy, white to pinkish, 5-parted flowers blossom in the spring.
  • Leaves:
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Deciduous
    Leaf Color:
    Green
    Leaf Type:
    Simple
    Leaf Arrangement:
    Alternate
    Leaf Shape:
    Ovate
    Leaf Margin:
    Serrate
    Hairs Present:
    Yes
    Leaf Description:
    Round, oval, alternate leaves, hairs on the underside, simple and toothed on the margin.
  • Stem:
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
    Stem Description:
    Single stemmed tree.
  • Landscape:
    Landscape Location:
    Lawn
    Woodland
    Landscape Theme:
    Edible Garden
    Design Feature:
    Flowering Tree
    Specimen
    Attracts:
    Bees
    Pollinators
    Problems:
    Poisonous to Humans
    Problem for Cats
    Problem for Dogs
    Problem for Horses
  • Poisonous to Humans:
    Poison Severity:
    Low
    Poison Symptoms:
    TOXIC ONLY IF LARGE QUANTITIES EATEN. Ingesting seeds can cause difficult breathing, trembling, spasms, and coma of short duration. Stems, leaves, seeds contain cyanide, particularly toxic in the process of wilting: brick red mucous membranes, dilated pupils, panting, shock.
    Poison Toxic Principle:
    Cyanogenic glycoside, amygdalin
    Causes Contact Dermatitis:
    No
    Poison Part:
    Leaves
    Seeds