Golden Hornet Crabapple Malus × zumi 'Golden Hornet'
ABOUT
The 'Golden Hornet' crabapple is a visually stunning ornamental tree that boasts a profusion of attractive features throughout the seasons. In spring, it is adorned with an abundance of white to pale pink flowers that can blanket the tree's branches, creating a spectacular display. These blossoms, which come before the foliage, also exude a pleasant fragrance and are a magnet for pollinators like bees. As the flowering season concludes, the tree's leaves unfurl into a fresh, bright green color. The foliage is typically simple in shape, oval to elliptic, and can have a somewhat glossy finish. These leaves form a dense and finely textured canopy that provides ample shade, and in the fall, they may turn to hues of yellow or gold, adding another layer of visual interest. The most distinctive attribute of the 'Golden Hornet' is its fruit. Following the flowering period, the tree produces copious amounts of small, apple-like fruits. These golden-yellow crabapples are what give the 'Golden Hornet' its name. The fruits, each roughly the size of a cherry, hang in clusters and can persist on the tree well into winter, providing a striking contrast against the bare branches or the fall foliage. Moreover, these crabapples serve as a valuable food source for birds and wildlife during the colder months. In terms of overall shape, the 'Golden Hornet' crabapple tends to have a rounded to slightly spreading canopy that contributes to its graceful and decorative appearance. The tree's bark is typically smooth when it is young but develops into a more textured surface as the tree matures. Overall, the appealing combination of spring blossoms, lush summer foliage, vivid fall color, and showy crabapples makes the 'Golden Hornet' crabapple a favorite for adding year-round interest to gardens and landscapes.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Rosaceae
Synonyms
Golden Hornet Crabapple, Japanese Crabapple
Common names
Malus × zumi 'Golden Hornet'.
ToxicityTo humans
The plant known as Crabapple is not generally considered to be highly toxic to humans. However, the seeds contained within the crabapples contain cyanogenic glycosides, which can release cyanide when chewed and digested. Ingesting a small number of seeds is unlikely to cause harm due to the low concentration of toxins, but consuming a large quantity of seeds or poorly processed crabapple seeds could potentially lead to cyanide poisoning. Symptoms of cyanide poisoning from seed ingestion could include headache, dizziness, confusion, nausea, difficulty breathing, increased heart rate, and in severe cases, seizures, loss of consciousness, or even death.
To pets
The Crabapple tree, much like in humans, has parts that can be toxic to pets. The fruit itself is not particularly dangerous, but the seeds can be harmful. Crabapple seeds contain cyanogenic glycosides, which can release cyanide when ingested. Cyanide can inhibit the ability of blood cells to deliver oxygen throughout the body, potentially leading to cyanide poisoning. Signs of poisoning in pets might include dilated pupils, difficulty breathing, panting, and shock. Extreme cases could result in seizures, coma, or death. Generally, a pet would need to ingest a significant quantity of seeds to experience severe toxicity. It's always advisable to keep an eye on pets around these trees and prevent them from consuming the seeds.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
15 feet (4.57 meters)
Spread
15 feet (4.57 meters)
Plant type
Tree
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: The plant produces beautiful white flowers in spring and golden-yellow fruit in autumn, adding color and visual interest to landscapes.
- Wildlife Attraction: The fruits of the Crabapple attract birds and other wildlife, providing food and habitat.
- Pollinator Friendly: The flowers are a nectar source for bees and other pollinators, supporting biodiversity.
- Shade Provider: As a medium-sized tree, it can offer shade in gardens and parks, creating cooler areas during sunny days.
- Ornamental Fruit: The persistent fruits can last into winter, giving the tree multi-seasonal interest.
- Urban Tolerant: It is tolerant to urban pollution, making it a good choice for city environments.
- Low Maintenance: Once established, the plant requires minimal care, making it a convenient choice for landscapers and gardeners.
- Versatile Landscaping: It can be used as a specimen plant, in borders, or as part of a mixed hedge.
- Screening: When planted in groups, it can act as a privacy screen or windbreak.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Wildlife Habitat: Golden Hornet crabapple trees can offer shelter and nesting sites for various bird species, enhancing local biodiversity.
- Natural Dye: The fruit and bark of the Golden Hornet crabapple can be used to create natural dyes for fabrics or crafting projects.
- Garden Sculpture: With pruning and training, the Golden Hornet crabapple can be shaped into living sculptures and topiaries for unique garden displays.
- Jelly and Jam Making: The fruit of the Golden Hornet crabapple can be cooked down to make homemade jellies and jams with a unique tart flavor.
- Cooking Wood: Wood from the Golden Hornet crabapple tree can be used for smoking meats, adding a distinct flavor to culinary dishes.
- Photography Subject: Due to its beautiful spring blossoms and autumn fruit, it serves as an excellent subject for photography enthusiasts.
- Pollinator Garden Addition: This tree attracts bees and other pollinators, making it a valuable addition to gardens designed to support these insects.
- Craft Material: Dried twigs and branches can be used in floral arrangements or as wreath-making materials for crafts.
- Instrument Wood: Small branches or wood from pruning might be suitable for making small handcrafted musical instruments or parts of instruments.
- Educational Tool: The tree can be used in educational settings to teach students about plant life cycles, fruit development, and horticulture.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Crabapple tree is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Crabapple tree is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Beauty: The 'Golden Hornet' Crabapple's attractive blossoms and fruit signify aesthetic beauty and the appreciation of visual splendor.
- Love: Traditionally, apple trees are associated with love and romance, which extends to this ornamental variety.
- Renewal: As a spring-blooming tree, the Crabapple represents the idea of new beginnings and the renewal of life.
- Youth: With its bright, youthful fruits and flowers, the 'Golden Hornet' Crabapple symbolizes youthfulness and vitality.
- Peace: In various cultures, apple trees are seen as symbols of peace and tranquility.
WaterFor the 'Golden Hornet' crabapple, it's essential to maintain a consistent moisture level in the soil, especially during its early growth years and the warmer seasons. Typically, this plant should be watered deeply once a week, applying about 1.5 inches of water each time. Adjustments should be made depending on rainfall and temperature; less water may be required if it rains, and more may be needed during periods of drought or extreme heat. Avoid shallow watering as it encourages weak root development and ensure the water penetrates the root zone. In terms of volume, when using a hose or watering can, aim for 10 to 15 gallons per week for a newly planted tree, adjusting as the tree matures and based on the specific conditions at the site.
LightThe 'Golden Hornet' crabapple thrives best in full sunlight, which means it should receive at least 6 to 8 hours of direct, unfiltered sun daily. The ideal location is an open spot in the landscape where the tree is not shaded by larger structures or trees. Some light afternoon shade is acceptable in hotter climates, but full sun is necessary for the best flowering and fruiting performance.
TemperatureThe 'Golden Hornet' crabapple is hardy and can withstand a broad range of temperatures, typically from -20 to 100°F. It grows optimally in USDA hardiness zones 4 through 8, which means it's well-suited for temperatures that don't typically drop below -30°F in winter. The ideal growing temperatures for this plant are between 60 and 75°F, which support active growth and abundant flowering.
PruningPruning the 'Golden Hornet' crabapple is important for maintaining its shape, removing dead or diseased branches, and improving air circulation which reduces the risk of fungal infections. Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth starts, cutting back any crossing branches or those growing inward towards the center of the canopy. Thinning out crowded areas helps ensure the remaining branches get enough sunlight and air. Annual pruning is generally recommended, but the intensity of pruning may vary from year to year depending on the tree's needs.
CleaningNot needed
SoilThe Golden Hornet crabapple thrives in well-draining, fertile soil with a pH range of 5.0 to 7.0. A mix of loam, compost, and some sand or perlite will ensure both drainage and fertility, replicating its ideal growing conditions.
RepottingGolden Hornet crabapple trees are typically planted in the ground and do not require repotting. If grown in containers, young trees may need repotting every 2-3 years until they reach a mature size and can be planted out.
Humidity & MistingGolden Hornet crabapple prefers average outdoor humidity levels; as a temperate fruit tree, it doesn't require specific humidity control and will thrive in natural outdoor conditions.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Plant Golden Hornet crabapple in large container with drainage, full sun.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, well-draining soil; water regularly.
Hardiness zone
4-8 USDA
Life cycleMalus × zumi 'Golden Hornet', commonly known as the Golden Hornet crabapple, begins its life cycle as a dormant seed that germinates in spring when temperatures rise and moisture is sufficient. After germination, a seedling emerges and develops into a young sapling, establishing a root system and putting out its first leaves. As the sapling matures, it undergoes vegetative growth, producing a branching structure and foliage through the spring and summer months. The plant enters the reproductive phase, flowering in the spring with clusters of white blooms that are pollinated by insects, leading to the development of the characteristic small yellow crabapples by autumn. These fruits often persist on the tree after leaf fall and can provide food for wildlife during the winter. The tree gradually reaches maturity and may live for several decades, continually going through cycles of growth, flowering, and fruiting annually.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The crabapple variety known as 'Golden Hornet', a cultivar of Malus × zumi, is typically propagated by grafting. This is the most popular method due to its ability to ensure that the resulting trees maintain the true characteristics of the 'Golden Hornet'. The ideal time for grafting this crabapple is in late winter or early spring when the rootstock is just beginning to emerge from dormancy. During this period, a scion—a small branch from the desired 'Golden Hornet' tree with several buds—is cut at an angle. The scion is then inserted into a cut made in the rootstock, which is usually a seedling or a young tree of a different crabapple variety. The union is wrapped tightly and sealed with grafting tape or wax to prevent drying out and to promote healing. Careful attention to maintaining a clean grafting environment and making precise cuts significantly increases the chances of successful propagation.
