Sinomalus transitoria, commonly known as Cut-Leaf Crabapple, is a deciduous small tree or large shrub native to the mountainous regions, including slopes and forest edges, in Western China and Tibet. It typically grows to a height of 10 feet and a width of 8 feet, featuring a rounded form with a spreading habit. The leaves are deeply lobed, giving the plant its common name. In spring, it produces a showy display of fragrant pink and white flowers, which are followed by small, ornamental crabapples that can attract wildlife such as birds.

The Cut-Leaf Crabapple is valued for its ornamental flowers, attractive foliage, and compact size, making it suitable for small gardens and urban landscapes. It has earned the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit, indicating its exceptional qualities for garden use. This species is also utilized as rootstock for grafting other apple varieties due to its hardiness and adaptability. In cultivation, it prefers full sun but can tolerate part shade, and it requires medium amounts of water with well-draining soil. While it is generally easy to maintain, it can be susceptible to common apple diseases such as fire blight and apple scab, and may require preventive care or treatment to manage these issues.CC BY-SA 4.0