Prairie Crabapple (Malus ioensis)

Prairie Crabapple

(Malus ioensis)

Delaware Master Gardeners

CC BY 2.0

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Copyright Notice: Photo by: Delaware Master Gardeners | License Type: CC BY 2.0 | License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/ | Uploader: Delaware Master Gardeners | Publisher: Flickr

Estimated Native Range

Summary

Malus ioensis, commonly known as Prairie Crabapple, is a deciduous tree or large shrub native to the tallgrass prairies, savannas, and open woodlands of the Central United States. It typically grows to a height of 15 feet (5 meters) and a width of 10 feet (3 meters), with a rounded to spreading form. The Prairie Crabapple is noted for its showy spring blossoms, which are fragrant and range in color from deep pink buds to soft white flowers. Following the flowering season, it produces small yellow-green apples that mature to red in the fall and are attractive to wildlife.

The Prairie Crabapple is valued for its spring floral display and its ability to attract pollinators and birds. It is used in native plant gardens, as a specimen plant, or in naturalized areas. This species is adaptable to a range of soil types, from clay to loam, and prefers good drainage. While it thrives in full sun, it can tolerate part shade. Gardeners should be aware that this tree can be susceptible to common apple diseases such as apple scab and cedar-apple rust. It may also sucker from the base, which requires maintenance to keep a tidy form.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

Plant Type: Tree, Shrub
Height: 10-20 feet
Width: 5-10 feet
Growth Rate: Moderate
Flower Color: Pink, White
Flowering Season: Spring
Leaf Retention: Deciduous

Growth Requirements

Sun: Full Sun
Water: Medium
Drainage: Fast, Medium, Slow

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, Potted Plant, Showy Flowers

Natural Habitat

Tallgrass prairies, savannas, and open woodlands

Other Names

Common Names: Iowa Crab Apple, Prärie-Apfel, Prairie Crabapple

Scientific Names: , Malus ioensis, Pyrus ioensis, Malus ioensis var. ioensis, Malus ioensis var. palmeri, Malus ioensis f. plena, Malus ioensis var. creniserrata, Malus ioensis var. bushii, Malus coronaria var. ioensis, Pyrus ioensis var. palmeri

GBIF Accepted Name: Malus ioensis (Alph.Wood) Britton