Crab Apple Tree

Crabapple, any of several small trees of the genus Malus, in the rose family (Rosaceae). Crabapples are native to North America and Asia. They are widely grown for their attractive growth habit, spring flower display, and decorative fruit. The fruits are much smaller and more tart than the common

Crab apple tree. Crab Apple Trees are small to medium-sized trees, and some are small enough to be grown as large shrubs. Typical sizes are between 12 and 25 feet tall and wide, but smaller and larger trees are also seen.They have a central trunk, although they can also be grown with two or three trunks. Alternatively, slice them down to create a crab apple jam.To do so: First, wash 2.2 pounds (1 kg) of crab apples, or about 30 crab apples. Combine them with 2 cups (473 mL) of water in a large pot. Crab apples – problem solving. Like larger apple trees, crab apples can be affected by woolly aphid, fruit tree red spider mite, caterpillars and diseases such as apple scab, apple canker, powdery mildews, fireblight and honey fungus. A crab apple tree often planted near other fruit trees as a way to pollinate them. The fruit that grows from the tree is usually full of flavor and is commonly used to attract deer and other animals. The blossoms on the tree are typically white with a small light pink or pale yellow center and tend to give off a delightful aroma that smells.

Malus (/ ˈ m eɪ l ə s / or / ˈ m æ l ə s /) is a genus of about 30–55 species of small deciduous trees or shrubs in the family Rosaceae, including the domesticated orchard apple (M. domestica syn. M. pumila) – also known as the eating apple, cooking apple, or culinary apple.The other species are commonly known as crabapples, crab apples, crabtrees, or wild apples. Crab Apple Trees. The Flowering Crab Apples are deservedly one of the most popular ornamental trees to be found in our gardens. The flowering season is April and May when glorious pink and white blossom is produced. The crab apple is susceptible to a variety of fungal infections, including apple scab, honey fungus and apple canker. The bacterial disease fireblight gives them the appearance of being scorched. These threats can easily spread to cultivated apple trees and will eventually reduce the health of the tree. Crab Apple trees are named after the compact size of their fruits, which vary from 1cm to 5cm in diameter (any larger and they would be considered a normal apple). Varieties with large fruits are both highly decorative and productive, producing crab apples suitable for culinary use - some examples include Malus 'John Downie', 'Rosehip' and Marble.

Crab apple trees are grown primarily for their ornamental value. This starts in spring with a profusion of attractive blossom, which is often scented. The brightly coloured ornamental fruits hang attractively on the tree throughout autumn, providing colour in the garden and a source of food for birds. The Sugar Tyme Crab Apple is a medium-sized deciduous tree that will reach as much as 20 feet in height, with a spread almost as great. When choosing a planting spot, allow for that potential height and spread, avoiding overhead wires and planting at least 10 feet from any walls, fences or property lines. Crab apple trees flower even when young, often blooming when two or three years old, so it’s a great choice of you want a tree that performs quickly. The blossom is also invaluable as pollinators and there are many cultivars that are suited to cooking – especially to make crab apple jelly – so in all a versatile little tree. The tree has excellent resistance to apple scab, powdery mildew, and cedar-apple rust, and good resistance to fire blight. Horticulture professor Michael Dirr, Ph. D., names it as one of his top 12 crabapple varieties. Grow it in full sun in moist, well-drained soil.

Harvesting crabapple tree fruit at the right time ensures the fruit has an appealing texture and flavor. The color of the crabapple seeds, color of the skin, firmness of the fruit and taste of the apples helps determine if they're ready to harvest or need more growing time on the tree. 3. Crab apple trees pollinate other apple varieties. Apple trees require a pollinator of another compatible apple variety to set fruit. Pollen from a crabapple tree will pollinate most apple trees provided that they blossom at the same time. Crab apples are so effective at pollinating other apple varieties that old time orchardists would take branches of crab apples in bloom and put them in a. These range from large bunches of quite small fruit, all the way up to the large fruit of ‘John Downie’, which is perfect for making crab apple jelly. The following are all excellent trees, suitable for even small gardens: Malus x atrosanguinea Gorgeous: is a, well gorgeous, small tree. Its white flowers, pink in bud, produce orange-red fruit. The difference between an apple and a crabapple is the size of the fruit. Fruit less than 2 inches (5 cm.) in diameter are considered crabapples, while larger fruit are called apples. How to Plant a Crabapple Tree. Choose a location in full sun with well-drained soil.