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(Malus angustifolia)
Southern Crab Apple (Malus angustifolia)
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Katja Schulz
CC BY 2.0
Image By:
Katja Schulz
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Copyright:
CC BY 2.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Katja Schulz | License Type: CC BY 2.0 | License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/ | Uploader: treegrow | Publisher: Flickr |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Malus angustifolia, commonly known as Southern Crab Apple, is a deciduous or semi-deciduous tree or large shrub native to open woodlands and forest edges in the Southeastern United States. It typically grows to a height of 10 meters (33 feet) with a trunk diameter up to 25 cm (10 inches). The Southern Crab Apple is known for its showy, fragrant pink flowers that bloom in spring, attracting pollinators. The fruits are small, up to 3 cm (1.2 inches) in diameter, with an aromatic scent and a pear-like shape, maturing in late summer to fall. While astringent and acidic when raw, they are valued for making jellies, jams, and preserves and are consumed by wildlife.
This species is appreciated for its ornamental flowers, wildlife value, and relatively low maintenance requirements. It is used in naturalistic plantings, as a specimen tree in residential gardens, and for restoration projects. Southern Crab Apple thrives in full sun to part shade and adapts to a range of soil types, preferring those with slow to fast drainage. It is drought-tolerant once established but benefits from medium water availability. Gardeners should be aware of potential issues such as apple scab and fire blight, which can affect leaves and fruit.CC BY-SA 4.0
This species is appreciated for its ornamental flowers, wildlife value, and relatively low maintenance requirements. It is used in naturalistic plantings, as a specimen tree in residential gardens, and for restoration projects. Southern Crab Apple thrives in full sun to part shade and adapts to a range of soil types, preferring those with slow to fast drainage. It is drought-tolerant once established but benefits from medium water availability. Gardeners should be aware of potential issues such as apple scab and fire blight, which can affect leaves and fruit.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Tree, Shrub
- Height: 20-30 feet
- Width: 10-15 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: Pink, White
- Flowering Season: Spring
- Leaf Retention: Deciduous
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
- Water: Medium
- Drainage: Slow, Medium, Fast
Common Uses
Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Edible*Disclaimer: Easyscape's listed plant edibility is for informational use. Always verify the safety and proper identification of any plant before consumption., Fragrant, Hummingbird Garden, Low Maintenance, Showy Flowers
Natural Habitat
native to open woodlands and forest edges in the Southeastern United States
Other Names
Common Names: Schmalblättriger Apfel, Southern Crabapple
Scientific Names: , Malus angustifolia, Pyrus angustifolia, Malus sempervirens, Malus angustifolia var. angustifolia, Malus angustifolia f. pendula, Malus coronaria var. angustifolia, Pyrus coronaria var. angustifolia,
GBIF Accepted Name: Malus angustifolia (Aiton) Michx.