Crabapple Tree: Can You Eat Crab Apples? How To ID Fruit, Benefits

Image Credit: Mike Goad (MikeGoad)²⁰

Crabapple Tree Facts

The Malus genus has several varieties in the Rosaceae family. Malus as a noun in Latin means “apple.” This is just one of the Crabapple Tree facts.

The crabapple has many hybrids and is often cultivated with many varieties. According to Clemson University, there are 800 crabapple cultivars and still counting.¹

It’s possible to witness a Crabapple Tree’s radiance and fragrance in most areas of the United States. However, the mid-west and eastern parts of the U.S. reign supreme with the most number of ornamental Crabapple Trees thriving in these regions.

How To Identify Crabapple Tree

Depending on the season, you can identify Crabapple Trees by their clusters of flowers that come in a variety of colors. These can be pink flowers, purple flowers, white, or red and feature a sweet delicate fragrance. This is how to identify Crabapple Tree.

White flowering trees identification can be a little tricky, but if it’s accompanied later in the fall by green cherry-sized fruits, it’s possible they are green crab apples. These green crab apples are on their way to being ripe and ready for picking once the fruit turns yellow.

Crabapple Tree Leaves

Because of the many hybrids and cross-breeding, Crabapple Tree leaves can be oval or round. The dark green leaves are showy and look great along with the tree’s flowers in the spring and summer.

The fall leaves are just as striking with yellow, red, or orange hues, depending on the type of Crabapple Tree. Since this ornamental tree is deciduous, the leaves fall like clockwork in winter.

Crabapple Tree Flower

With the many assortments of Crabapple Tree flowers each spring, there are some that might bloom earlier than others. There are single, semi-double, and double flower clusters on different Crabapple Trees.

For example, the Donald Wyman Crabapple Tree blooms single white flowers with five petals each. While the semi-double flower clusters seen on Marilee Crabapple trees have six to 10 petals.

On the other hand, Brandywine Crabapple Trees have double flower clusters of a minimum of 10 petals or more.

Crabapple Tree Seeds

The small brown seeds in a crabapple can be planted but not eaten by humans. Like the larger apple fruit, these seeds contain cyanide.

It is important to note that Crabapple Tree seeds may not grow to look exactly like their parent tree. Growing the tree from a seed is still possible but it may produce different colored flowers, for instance, and this is why most Crabapple Trees are grafted.

What Does a Crabapple Tree Look Like?

Some crabapple varieties can grow as shrubs so size may vary from semi-dwarf or dwarf to a standard size of 20 feet to 30 feet.

But what does a Crabapple Tree look like, exactly?

(Image: Deb Nystrom⁹)

It depends on the cultivator’s flower colors, age, and the color of the fruit. The bark will start smooth and turn scaly as it grows to a mature age and can be gray or brown in color.

The upright canopy of the Crabapple Tree with its oval leaves and clusters of flowers will allow you to ID the tree in the spring. The fall and early winter months will showcase the small cherry-sized crabapples that many birds and animals especially enjoy.

Crab Apple Tree Images

When identifying the Crab Apple Trees, looking at Crab Apple Tree images may help. Go to any of your favorite online nurseries or stock photo websites to choose the best type of Crabapple Tree for your landscape.

Contacting your local college or university extension could save you a lot of confusion as the staff at the college extensions can provide you with a list of the best Crabapple Trees to plant for your region.

When Do Crabapple Trees Bloom?

The blooming period of crabapples may take up to two weeks. But when do Crabapple Trees bloom anyway?

It actually depends on the variety but most bloom in the spring.

Lots of people also ask this question: Do trees have genders? The answer is a bit complex, but crabapple trees specifically have both male and female parts.

Crab Apple Blossom and Flowering Crabapple

The crab apple blossom varies for each crabapple variety. Some Crabapple Trees bloom every other year, such as the Dolgo crabapple.

(Image: Kilo22¹⁰)

Because of the many hybrids of Crabapple Trees, not all will bloom in large numbers each year.

Crabapple Tree Fruit

Most Crabapple Tree harvest comes in the fall. However, like its flowers, the Crabapple Tree fruit can grow in abundance in some years and not in others.

Moreover, not all Crabapple Trees produce the smaller version of the usual apple.

For example, the Sargent Crabapple Tree’s ripe fruit is small and dark red. They are not the usual ripened yellow crabapple from which you can make cider or jelly.

Can You Eat Crab Apples?

Crabapples are more than edible and you can always plant Crabapple Trees to make delicacies and drinks. Some describe the crabapple taste as sour, but this is also dependent on the variety.

The Wickson Crabapple Tree is considered to have sweet fruits. The Chestnut Crabapple is also known to be sweet compared to most crabapple varieties.

(Image: Laurencefalcetta¹¹)

If you would like to make jelly, cider, and wine from your Crabapple Tree, consider these varieties below:

• Butterball Crabapple Tree
• Callaway Crabapple Tree
• Dolgo Crabapple Tree
• Jelly King Crabapple Tree

The first harvest from your young Crabapple Tree will vary. It can be as early as three years from planting, but each crabapple variety has a different blooming and producing timeline.

Fruitless Crabapple Tree: Spring Snow

Identifying a tree, especially a flowering Crabapple Tree, can be hard but the fruitless Spring Snow Crabapple Tree may be different. Since it bears no fruit, this type of tree may be easier to ID.

Like the rest of its Malus family, it blooms beautiful flowers in the spring but no fruit will be present in the fall. It is deciduous, like all Crabapple Trees, and disease-resistant.

If you desire the beauty of a Crabapple Tree that you can use as a privacy tree and a standout charmer to include in your backyard landscape, the Spring snow crabapple may be a good choice for you.

Types of Crabapple Trees

It is Colorado State University‘s estimation that there are over 1,000 Crab Apple Tree variations and about 100 varieties are often planted.⁷

According to Brooklyn Botanic Garden, several Malus varieties are native to Asia and Europe except for three,³ while there are a few Malus and Rosaceae apple trees native to the United States,

The following crabapple Malus species are native to the U.S.:

• Malus coronaria
• Malus fusca
• Malu ioensis

The American Crabapple or Sweet Crabapple is in the Malus coronaria genus. The red flowers bloom in the spring all over Long Island to the Great Lakes Region.

What makes this genus unique is the reddish-brown bark that illuminates with its flowers and fruit.

One of the popular West Coast ornamental Crabapple Trees is the Pacific Crabapple. The Pacific Crabapple Tree is in the Malus fusca.

The Mississippi Valley is known to enjoy the elegance of the Prairie Crabapple. The Prairie Cranapple is in the Malus ioensis genus and is unique with its pink flowers with yellow stamen tips in the middle.

With the many cultivations to choose from, pink flowers, purple flowers, and more can grow depending on the type of Crabapple Trees you choose to plant.

The below standard-size options are usually 20-30 feet tall and will be the apple of your eye and local ecosystem.

2. Donald Wyman Crabapple

The original Donald Wyman Crabapple is thriving and adored at the Arnold Arboretum at Harvard University. The disease-resistant Donald Wyman Crabapple Tree is a chameleon compared to other Crabapple Trees.

It starts with red flowers that turn into pink flowers and mature into white flowers while standing tall at 20 feet.

4. Gladiator Crabapple

The Gladiator Crabapple tree is a fragrant pink flower that blooms in the spring and can be used as a crabapple privacy tree. This pink flower tree is tolerant to drought and salty air while standing up to 20 feet tall.

6. Red Splendor Crabapple

The Red Splendor Crabapple is popular among urban lifestyle growers throughout the United States.

This type of tree is praised for thriving in congested cities with increased air pollution due to cars, airplanes, and the usual urban living.

The Red Splendor Crabapple does not seem to mind poor soil and drainage, according to Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest.⁵

Dwarf Ornamental Crabapple Tree

Deciding to plant a dwarf ornamental Crabapple Tree in a small oasis that is your garden is a great idea.

Just like its standard-size cousins that are 20-30 feet tall, the flowering Crabapple Tree or shrub will not deny you an abundance of fruit and spring blossoms. It can be a small shrub or grow up to 15 feet tall which is perfect for shade but will not take up too much room in your yard.

There are several options for dwarf ornamental Crabapple Trees, as listed below:

• Cinderella Crabapple
• Coral Burst Crabapple
• Prairiefire Crabapple
• Red Splendor Crabapple
• Red Sentinel Crabapple
• Royal Raindrops Crabapple
• Whitney Crab apple

The above-listed Crabapple Tree options will bring a big presence even in your small yards and balconies.

Crabapple Tree Growing Zone

This showy ornamental tree can be grown according to the specific variety’s needs to flourish in the best region. However, in general, the Crabapple Tree growing zone is Zones 4-8.

Crabapple Tree growing zone according to variety are as follows:

• Butterball Crabapple Tree Growing Zone 4-8
• Callaway Crabapple Tree Growing Zone 5-8
• Cinderella Crabapple Tree Growing Zone 4-8
• Dolgo Crabapple Tree Growing Zone 4-8
• Jelly King Crabapple Tree Growing Zone 4-8
• Royal Raindrops Crabapple Growing Zone 4-8
• Whitney Crabapple Tree Growing Zone 4-9

The Crabapple Tree cannot tolerate hot climates like a Pomegranate Tree. Although Crabapple Trees enjoy cooler climates, such as in the midwest or eastern regions of the United States, frosty winter weather is also not recommended.

Crabapple Tree Growth Rate

You might be curious about the Crabapple Tree growth rate. How long does it take for a tree to grow?

The Crabapple Tree can grow up to 2 feet per year, while some varieties are considered mature five years after planting. For this reason, some Crabapple Trees are considered slow-growers.

However, many Malus trees grow at a medium rate, according to the Iowa Arborists Association.⁶

Overall, Crabapple Trees are moderate in growth.

How To Grow a Crab Apple Tree

Adding a Crab Apple Tree to your small orchard helps the tree pollination process for your apricot tree, apple trees, peach trees, or other fruit trees of choice.

Different types of Crabapple Trees are cultivated in several ways, so “How to grow a Crab Apple Tree” is a good question. Will the answer for, “how to grow an apple tree from seed” be similar?

Most Crab Apple Trees are grafted and easily accessible at your local nursery. However, some green thumb enthusiasts appreciate the process of growing a fruit tree from a seed or cutting.

Because many Crab Apple Trees are not disease-resistant, growing a tree from seed or cutting without the best cultivation method of grafting is a risk.

The crab apple is smaller than the natural apple by 2 inches but is considered mature after three years of planting, depending on the cultivation. So to grow from seed or not is up to you.

Growing a Crabapple Tree From Seed

If you have access to a healthy Crab Apple Tree in the fall season, you’re closer to growing your Crab Apple Tree than you may think. Crab Apples turn beautiful colors, such as red, yellow, and orange, and are ready for picking during this season.

You will need to collect several crab apples and do the following:

• Cut each crab apple and remove each seed
• Remove pulp from the seeds by placing it under cold water
• Nick each seed and place it in a planting bag with vermiculite

After doing the above, cold stratification is next. By placing your crab apple seeds in your refrigerator, you are pushing your seeds out of dormancy and into the germination process.

Keep your seeds and vermiculite moist for a minimum of 90 days. Some crab apple varieties require 120 days of cold stratification.

After the cold stratification, your seeds are officially germinating, with some seedlings emerging before your eyes. Now you’re ready to plant your crab apple seed.

(Image: Omar Hoftun¹⁵)

The number of seeds per gallon container depends on the size of the container. However, 2-3 seeds per container are the minimum.

The pot or gallon container should have holes to help promote well-drained soil. Place the crab apple seed in the potting mix and make sure the seed is lightly covered. Ensure the future purple or pink flower Crab Apple Tree seed and seedlings are watered.

The next question you may ask is, “How much sunlight does Crabapple Tree need each day?”

The new seedlings require full sun and a shaded room or location in your backyard is not recommended. Surveying your new crab apple seedling often ensures the soil is not dry and that no pests are trying to feast off your new seedlings is essential.

You may encounter more seedlings popping up from the soil within 2-3 weeks. Depending on your location and the season, once your seedlings are six inches tall, you can place them in a larger container.

Before placing your crab apple seedlings in the outdoor soil, prepare your soil, and give your crab apple seedlings an opportunity to get familiar with the outside elements.

Planting Tips for Crabapple Tree

Depending on your location, young Crabapple Trees can be planted in any season.

After you decide whether to plant your crabapple by seed or cutting, consider these planting tips for Crabapple Tree for optimal health and growth:

• Avoid mushy and extremely ripped crabapple seeds for planting
• Avoid mold during stratification by giving seeds space and not overwatering
• Place germinated seeds with slow-release fertilizer in a well-drained container

The beginning growing stages of the crabapple seed or cutting are essential. Following the above-mentioned planting tips, your tree will surely grow an abundance of beautiful flowers and crabapples within five years.

Crabapple Tree Diseases and Pests

Being a part of the Rosaceae family usually means the tree is vulnerable to apple scab, fire blight, and other bacterial diseases.

Hence, you need to watch out for the following Crabapple Tree diseases and pests that can ravish your young ornamental tree:

Apple Scab

Apple scab is a fungus that many crabapple lovers fear. This fungus can affect a Crabapple Tree in the colder months. After rainfall and wind, apple scabs can also invade your tree.

(Image: Bill Kasman¹⁶)

The apple scab is transmitted through a fungus in spores that grow on leaves and fruit. Within 2-3 weeks, you will notice round dark spots on your crabapples and leaves. You may notice the dark brown scabs inside a cut crabapple.

One way to prevent apple scabs is by removing fallen leaves and fruit during the winter to prevent the fungus from beginning, spreading, or returning.

Pruning your tree to keep the airflow in the canopy and leaves to prevent apple scab is also recommended.

Cedar Apple Rust

The Cedar Apple Rust spreads through spores if you have any cedar trees nearby. Whether the cedar tree is in your yard or your neighbor’s yard, it can still infect your tree.

Like the apple scab, rain, and wind transmit cedar apple rust.

The infected leaves will have dark spots and lesions and will fall before winter. The fruit may crack open along with yellow or orange spots.

Because you cannot control your neighbor’s decision to remove their cedar tree, pruning and consistently evaluating your Crabapple Tree is necessary.

Checking with your local college or university extension can guide you to the best care plan to prevent cedar apple rust.

Fire Blight

A black sunken canker can mean fire blight bacteria have infected your Crabapple Tree. When this happens, the leaves lose their green color and become black.

(Image: Sebastian Stabinger¹⁷)

The crabapple fruit also turns black when infected by fire blight. Pruning and removing the cankers is the main solution.

Powdery Mildew

The powdery mildew is a fungus that thrives in heat or dry weather. Powdery mildew shows up when there is no moisture.

This type of fungus requires a fungicide. You can try some organic and homemade fungicides that use baking soda and dish soap.

Before using any of these homemade or organic options, however, check with your local nursery to ensure these choices are right for your Crabapple Tree.

Crabapple Tree Disease Prevention

Disease-resistant Crabapple Trees help avoid pests or diseases.  Below are some of these disease-resistant varieties, as recommended by Utah State University:⁸

• Adams Crabapple Tree
• Cinderella Crabapple Tree
• Coralburst Crabapple Tree

The above-mentioned type of trees is deemed as excellent cultivators. These ornamental trees are just a few of several hybrids that you can choose from so you won’t worry as much about Crabapple Tree disease prevention.

Crabapple Tree Care

Your Crabapple Tree care starts with the quality of the soil, water schedule, fertilizer, pruning, and trimming schedule.

When you decide to grow a tree, care for it will always begin with the soil. For the Crabapple Tree, the soil pH should be 5.0 to 7.0, depending on your region, to ensure that it thrives.

Picking up a soil test kit at your nearest hardware store or local nursery can help you determine the quality of your soil.

Watering a tree is just as important. A young Crabapple Tree may need to be watered every 48 hours, depending on the soil type.

Mulching around trees, meanwhile, will help keep a flow of healthy moisture for the tree’s root system.

(Image: Ted¹⁸)

The Crabapple Tree needs full sun to thrive. Partial shade is acceptable, but approximately six hours of full sun rays are needed.

After the Crabapple Tree has established its root system, fertilizing your young tree may occur once new growth appears in spring.

However, fertilizing schedules may be necessary in the first year, depending on your region. A fertilizing schedule can be reviewed and recommended by your local nursery.

How To Prune a Crabapple Tree

Knowing how to prune a Crabapple Tree is necessary to avoid inadvertently inviting pests and diseases. Pruning with the following tools will help:

• Saw for large branches
• Pruners for removal of small branches

Pruners are a great choice for smaller branches with a diameter of half an inch. The large branches that can cross and cause some air flow issues need to be pruned with a saw.

Removing cross and damaged branches, as well as suckers will allow your Crabapple Tree to thrive. Before starting pruning, be sure your tools are clean to avoid infecting your tree with bacteria.

When To Trim a Crabapple Tree

When to trim a Crabapple Tree is when the Crabapple Tree is dormant.

Early spring trimming or after the winter frost is ideal.

How To Trim Crabapple Tree

If your question is “how to trim Crabapple Tree,” it involves removing cross and overgrown branches and keeping the canopy attractive. However, trimming your Crabapple Tree may not be an easy task.

If you don’t have the time or it’s more efficient to hire a professional tree trimmer, do it. Using a tree trimming cost calculator to help you budget your annual service for your Crabapple Tree will give you a better idea of what to expect.

Benefits of a Crabapple Tree

Apart from humans, birds, skunks, deer, rabbits, and many other species also benefit from a Crabapple Tree. The canopy shades animals, and the fruit provides nourishment for the ecosystem.

Some other benefits of a Crabapple Tree include the following:

• The crabapple wood can be used to smoke meat
• Making of levers, mallets, and utensils
• Juices, cider, and an assortment of crabapple recipes

Crabapples are best known for cider versus the usual apple juice or apple pie.

Apples, in general, are known to have high antioxidants which are known to help battle diabetes and cancer by fighting free radicals from these diseases.

According to the Municipality of Princeton NJ, crabapples use the bark and skin to help with traditional medication intervention.²

Dangers of Crabapples

The dangers of crabapples are more perilous for birds and animals who are dependent on this flowering tree. Bees will avoid a diseased Crabapple Tree that has apple scab, fire blight, or powdery mildew.

For humans, the dangers of crabapples are in the seeds that contain cyanogenic glycoside. If you are a fruit lover who enjoys biting or sucking fruit seeds, do not indulge in this manner with crabapple seeds because your body will convert the cyanogenic glycoside into cyanide when consumed.

Crabapple Tree and Carbon Sequestration

No matter how small your backyard is, it can do a world of good by planting Crabapple Trees to combat global warming.

Not only will you help the local ecosystem to be shielded by its shade and nourished by its fruits, but you will also help carbon emissions be sequestered.

Because many Crabapple Tree varieties are grown fairly fast and live for up to 60 years, the lifespan and the hardy wood, leaves, root system, and branches all do their part in cleansing the atmosphere.

To help you decide how many trees to plant to help reduce greenhouse gasses coming from your household, you can use a carbon offset tree planting calculator to help plan this green journey.

(Image: Liz West¹⁹)

Overall, a Crabapple Tree is a great addition to your small garden because of its beautiful aesthetic and delicious fruits.

Now that you know how to identify one and its benefits, you can start planting your chosen variety of Crabapple Tree to give your yard that extra oomph.

Frequently Asked Questions About Crabapple Tree