Crabapple Malus 'Donald Wyman'

Names

• Family

  Rosaceae

• Synonyms

  Donald Wyman Crabapple, Donald Wyman Flowering Crabapple

• Common names

  Malus 'Donald Wyman'.

Toxicity

• To humans

  The Malus 'Donald Wyman', commonly known as a cultivar of crabapple, is not considered toxic to humans. Generally, the fruit of crabapple trees is edible, though it may be very tart and is often used to make jellies and preserves. However, the seeds within the fruit contain amygdalin which can release cyanide when digested, but one would need to consume a very large quantity of seeds to reach toxic levels. It is always recommended to avoid eating seeds from apples or crabapples. Ingesting a few seeds is typically not enough to cause poisoning, but symptoms of cyanide poisoning would include headache, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, dizziness, and in severe cases, respiratory failure and death.

• To pets

  The Malus 'Donald Wyman', commonly referred to as a crabapple tree, is not generally considered toxic to pets. Like with humans, the seeds of crabapples do contain amygdalin, which can metabolize into cyanide when ingested. While pets would not typically consume enough seeds to cause serious harm, it is advisable to prevent them from eating large amounts of crabapple seeds. If a pet does consume a significant amount of seeds, symptoms could include dilated pupils, difficulty breathing, panting, and shock. In very large quantities, cyanide can be fatal, so if a pet exhibits these symptoms after consuming crabapple seeds, immediate veterinary attention is required.

Characteristics

• Life cycle

  Perennials

• Foliage type

  Deciduous

• Color of leaves

  Green

• Flower color

  White

• Height

  20 feet (6 meters)

• Spread

  25 feet (7.6 meters)

• Plant type

  Tree

• Hardiness zones

  5

• Native area

  North America

General Benefits

• Ornamental Value: The Donald Wyman crabapple features showy white flowers in spring that add ornamental interest to landscapes.
• Wildlife Attraction: The tree produces small red fruits that attract birds and other wildlife.
• Shade: As a medium-sized tree, it can provide shade for smaller areas, making it suitable for residential gardens.
• Seasonal Interest: With its changing foliage, flowering period, and fruiting, the tree offers visual interest across multiple seasons.
• Ease of Care: This cultivar is known for being hardy and low-maintenance, making it a good choice for those with less gardening experience.
• Pollinator-Friendly: The flowers of the Donald Wyman crabapple provide nectar and pollen for bees and other pollinating insects.
• Compact Size: Its relatively small size makes it suitable for planting under power lines or in smaller urban gardens.
• Improvement of Soil Quality: Like many trees, crabapples can help to improve soil stability and quality through their root systems.
• Cultural Symbolism: Crabapple trees often hold cultural significance and can be used in ceremonies or as symbolic plantings.

Medical Properties

This plant is not used for medical purposes.

Air-purifying Qualities

This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.

Other Uses

• Wildlife Habitat: Malus 'Donald Wyman', commonly known as the Donald Wyman Crabapple, can provide shelter and nesting sites for birds and other small wildlife due to its dense branching habit.
• Photography Subject: With its vibrant blooms and attractive fruit, the Donald Wyman Crabapple is often used as a subject for nature and landscape photography, especially in the spring.
• Educational Tool: Botanical gardens and educational institutions may use the Donald Wyman Crabapple to teach about pollination, plant growth cycles, and ornamental horticulture.
• Artistic Inspiration: The tree's aesthetic appeal can inspire artists and serve as a focus for paintings, drawings, and other forms of artistic expression.
• Bonsai Specimen: Due to its attractive features and adaptability to pruning, the Donald Wyman Crabapple can be cultivated as a bonsai for indoor and outdoor collections.
• Culinary Decoration: The small, bright fruit of the Donald Wyman Crabapple can be used as a colorful, natural decoration on food platters and as edible garnishes in culinary presentations.
• Natural Dyes: The bark, leaves, and fruit of the Donald Wyman Crabapple can be used to create natural dyes for fabrics, yarns, and craft projects.
• Erosion Control: When planted in groups, Donald Wyman Crabapple trees can help stabilize soil and prevent erosion on slopes and in areas prone to soil degradation.
• Noisemaker: Dried crabapples from the Donald Wyman variety, when added to containers, can be used as a DIY noisemaker or rattle for children's toys or musical instruments.
• Winter Interest: The persistent fruit of the Donald Wyman Crabapple adds visual interest to winter landscapes, providing a splash of color during the colder, grayer months.

Feng Shui

The Crabapple is not used in Feng Shui practice.

Zodiac Sign Compitability

The Crabapple is not used in astrology practice.

Plant Symbolism

• Beauty in Blooming: The Malus 'Donald Wyman', more commonly known as the 'Donald Wyman Crabapple', is revered for its vibrant white to pink flowers that symbolize the beauty and joy of new beginnings.
• Renewal: Crabapples are among the first trees to bloom in spring, their blossoms representing the renewal of life and the cycle of the seasons.
• Love and Marriage: With its lush flowers, the crabapple tree is often seen as a symbol of love and is sometimes planted in celebration of weddings and anniversaries.
• Peace and Goodwill: The fruit of the crabapple, which can persist into the winter, is associated with peace and goodwill, as it provides food for birds when other sources are scarce.
• Protection: In some cultures, the crabapple tree is thought to hold protective qualities, guarding against misfortune and negativity.
• Persistence and Survival: Given the hardy nature of the tree, it symbolizes the ability to thrive in challenging conditions and overcome adversity.