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
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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 Gardener℠ Demonstration Garden, Durham Co.
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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- 'Prairie fire'
- 'Prairie fire'
- 'Prairie fire'
- Tags:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
-
- 'Prairie fire'
- 'Prairie fire'
- 'Prairie fire'
- Tags:
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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.
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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
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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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Stem:
- Stem Is Aromatic:
- No
- Stem Description:
- Single stemmed tree.
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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
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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
