American crabapple

Stacks Image 66
Malus coronaria
AMERICAN CRABAPPLE
Rosaceae
E. North America

Location: map coordinates M-4 (southwest of retention pond), N 39°11'12'' W 75°32'49''

Planting history: planted November 2010. Source: Donated by Octoraro Native Plant Nursery (via Dr. S. Yost).

Description:
  • deciduous small tree or shrub
  • etymology: Malus = Latin name for apple; coronaria = used in garlands
  • crabapples are non-domesticated apple trees, with fruits generally <2” diameter
  • leaves simple, alternate; deeply toothed, almost lobed on fast-growing shoots
  • flowers showy, fragrant, pinkish/white
  • fruit a small pome; sour; but high pectin content useful for making apple jelly
  • forms thickets; has thorns on older wood
  • used as rootstocks for other apple trees
  • habitat old fields, thickets, river banks

Native species, State Rank SU (Status Undetermined in Delaware; species thought to be rare or uncommon in the state, but cannot presently be included within another classification)
Stacks Image 76

    HIT REFRESH TO START LOCATION GRAPHIC