Liset Crabapple Malus × moerlandsii 'Liset'
ABOUT
The plant known as 'Liset' Crabapple is admired for its ornamental qualities, particularly its stunning flowers and foliage. The appearance of this plant is highlighted by its profuse and vibrant spring blossoms. The flowers are an intense, deep pink to almost red hue, which burst forth in small clusters along the branches. These create a dramatic, eye-catching display that can add a splash of color to any garden. Beyond its flowers, the foliage offers a year-round visual interest. The leaves emerge with a reddish tint in spring, maturing to a dark green shade as the season progresses. Come autumn, the plant might offer a display of color change, with leaves turning into shades of orange or red, contributing to the fall landscape palette. Another notable feature is its fruit. The 'Liset' Crabapple produces small, purplish-red crabapples that are aesthetically appealing and can attract wildlife, such as birds, to the garden. The fruits typically persist into winter, adding a decorative element and providing a food source for birds during the scarce months. The bark and overall branching structure of the 'Liset' Crabapple also add to its ornamental value. The bark is usually a smooth grayish color, providing a subtle texture and neutral backdrop that further enhances the visibility of the flowers and fruits. Overall, the 'Liset' Crabapple is prized for its stunning floral display, attractive foliage, colorful fruit, and year-round interest, making it a prominent feature in many ornamental landscapes.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Rosaceae
Synonyms
Liset Crabapple
Common names
Malus × moerlandsii 'Liset'.
ToxicityTo humans
The plant commonly known as Liset crabapple is not considered highly toxic to humans. However, the seeds contain small amounts of amygdalin, a compound that can release cyanide when digested. Consuming large quantities of the seeds could potentially lead to cyanide poisoning, whose symptoms include headache, dizziness, shortness of breath, and in severe cases, seizures, coma, and even death. It's important to note that accidental ingestion of a few seeds is typically not harmful due to the low concentration of amygdalin, and the seeds must be chewed to release the compound.
To pets
The Liset crabapple is similar in toxicity to pets as it is to humans. The main concern is the seeds, which contain amygdalin. If a pet chews and ingests a large number of seeds, they could potentially experience symptoms of cyanide poisoning, such as salivation, difficulty breathing, dilated pupils, and in extreme cases, shock or collapse. It is unlikely for a pet to ingest enough of the seeds to cause severe poisoning, but it is still advisable to prevent pets from chewing on the seeds. The flesh of the fruit itself is generally not harmful to pets.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
15 feet [4.57 meters]
Spread
15 feet [4.57 meters]
Plant type
Tree
Hardiness zones
4-8
Native area
Cultivar
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Value: 'Liset' crabapple is known for its striking deep pink to red flowers and small, decorative crabapples that add aesthetic value to landscapes.
- Wildlife Attraction: The fruit attracts a variety of birds and other wildlife, providing an ecological benefit and promoting biodiversity.
- Shade Providing: As a deciduous tree, it can provide shade during the sunny months, which can contribute to cooler ground temperatures and comfort in outdoor settings.
- Seasonal Interest: 'Liset' crabapple offers changing visual interest throughout the seasons, with spring blossoms, summer foliage, fall fruit, and often attractive branching patterns in winter.
- Compact Size: Its relatively small stature makes it suitable for planting in residential gardens or public spaces with limited space.
- Pollination Support: The flowers offer nectar and pollen, which serve as food sources for bees and other pollinating insects, supporting local ecosystems.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- The crabapple 'Liset' can be used in the production of natural dyes, as its bark and leaves contain tannins which can be used to create different shades of color on yarn or fabric.
- Wood from the crabapple can be used in small woodworking projects, such as the creation of decorative objects, handles, and inlays where strong, dense wood is desired.
- The dense branching pattern of the crabapple 'Liset' makes it suitable for creating living privacy screens or hedges in landscaping.
- Crabapple blossoms can be used in floral arrangements, including bridal bouquets, for their vibrant color and springtime association.
- Fallen crabapple fruits can be collected and used for crafting, such as making natural potpourri or decorative wreaths.
- The 'Liset' crabapple can be a host plant for certain species of butterflies and moths, contributing to local biodiversity.
- In bonsai, the compact size and attractive blossoms of the crabapple make it a desirable species for miniature tree cultivation.
- Dried crabapple branches can be used in decorative indoor arrangements or as part of rustic-themed event decor.
- Crabapple fruit leftovers can be composted to enrich garden soil with organic matter after all other uses have been exhausted.
- Bird enthusiasts often use crabapple trees to attract a variety of birds, as the fruit provides a food source during the fall and winter months.
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: 'Liset' Crabapple, with its striking deep pink to red flowers, symbolizes beauty and appreciation for the aesthetic, representing the marvels of the natural world.
- Love: The blossoming of its flowers can be seen as an expression of love, with the deep red tones often associated with passion and deep affection.
- Renewal: As crabapple trees flower in the spring, they are emblematic of rebirth and new beginnings, reminding us of the cyclical nature of life and the freshness of spring.
- Peace: In some cultures, trees in general and the crabapple, with its sturdy nature and graceful form, can represent peace and tranquility.
- Temptation: Since crabapples are a type of apple, they sometimes carry the symbolic meaning of temptation and knowledge, tying back to the biblical story of Adam and Eve.
WaterThe Liset Crabapple requires deep watering to encourage a strong root system, especially during its first growing season. Water the tree once a week with approximately 15-20 gallons of water, making sure to soak the ground thoroughly around the root zone. During periods of drought or extreme heat, increase the frequency to twice a week, ensuring the soil doesn't dry out completely. In fall and winter, reduce watering as the plant goes dormant and natural rainfall typically provides adequate moisture.
LightThe Liset Crabapple thrives best in full sun, meaning at least six hours of direct sunlight per day is ideal. Plant it in an area that receives ample sunlight throughout the day to encourage healthy growth and optimal flowering. Partial shade is tolerable but may result in fewer flowers and reduced fruit production.
TemperatureLiset Crabapples are hardy and can withstand a range of temperatures; however, they grow best when the temperature stays between 60°F and 75°F. These trees can survive temporary dips down to about -20°F in winter and tolerate highs up to around 90°F in summer, but prolonged exposure to extremes beyond these temperatures can be detrimental to the plant.
PruningPrune the Liset Crabapple to maintain its shape and health. The best time for pruning is late winter or early spring before new growth starts. Remove any dead or diseased branches, thin out crowded areas to improve air circulation, and shape the tree as desired. Pruning should be done annually or as needed to remove any problematic growth or damage.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe Crabapple 'Liset' prefers well-draining, loamy soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0. A good mix would be two parts loam, one part peat moss, and one part sand to ensure proper drainage and aeration. Organic matter such as compost can also be added to enrich the soil.
RepottingCrabapple 'Liset' is a landscape tree and typically does not require repotting as it is planted directly into the ground. In case of initial potting or if grown in a container, repotting should be done only when the tree outgrows its current pot or every 2-3 years.
Humidity & MistingCrabapple 'Liset' tolerates a wide range of humidity levels and is generally adaptable to the ambient outdoor humidity in its growing regions. It does not have strict humidity requirements, making it suitable for various outdoor environments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Not advisable; it's a large outdoor tree.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, well-draining soil, water regularly.
Hardiness zone
4-8 USDA
Life cycleThe Liset crabapple (Malus × moerlandsii 'Liset') begins its life cycle as a seed, which after stratification, germinates in the spring. It grows rapidly into a young sapling, establishing a root system and producing leaves. The tree enters a juvenile phase, during which it develops its branching structure but does not flower. After several years, it reaches maturity and starts to bloom, typically in spring, with deep pink to red flowers that attract pollinators. Following pollination, it bears small red to purple ornamental fruits in the fall, which can be a food source for wildlife. As it ages, the Liset crabapple enters a period of senescence where growth slows and it may become susceptible to diseases and pests, eventually leading to the end of its life cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The Crabapple 'Liset' is best propagated through grafting, which is a common method for many ornamental trees. This technique involves attaching a piece of the 'Liset' crabapple's stem, known as a scion, to the rootstock of another compatible apple variety. Grafting is typically carried out in late winter or early spring before the sap starts to flow. The scion, taken from the previous year's growth, should have at least two or three buds. The stem is then carefully attached to a slit or notch in the rootstock and firmly secured with grafting tape or a similar material. After successful grafting, the scion will grow and develop into a new tree that bears the desirable characteristics of the Crabapple 'Liset', including its vibrant flowers and foliage.
