Chinese crabapple Malus transitoria
ABOUT
The plant known commonly as the cutleaf crabapple is characterized by an array of features that define its ornamental value. It has a spreading habit with branches that create an open and airy structure. The leaves are a standout feature, being finely cut or dissected, giving it a delicate, lace-like appearance that adds texture to the garden. These leaves typically emerge with a tones of purple or red, maturing to various shades of green as the season progresses. During the spring, the cutleaf crabapple is adorned with an abundant display of flowers. These blossoms are small and fragrant, with colors ranging from white to a soft pink, adding a splash of color that can attract pollinators like bees and butterflies. Following the flowers, small crabapples form which can attract birds. The fruit is typically yellow or red and persists into the winter, adding interest to the bare branches of the colder months. The bark of this plant is smooth and may have a reddish-brown hue, providing yet another layer of visual interest. Throughout the seasons, the cutleaf crabapple delivers a dynamic and evolving aesthetic that can complement a variety of planting schemes and garden designs.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Rosaceae
Synonyms
Cutleaf Crabapple, Chinese Crabapple
Common names
Malus baccata var. transitoria, Pyrus transitoria.
ToxicityTo humans
The most common common name for Malus transitoria is the cutleaf crabapple. Generally, the fruit of crabapple trees is not toxic to humans and can be eaten, although it might not taste good due to its sour and bitter flavor. However, the seeds of the fruit contain amygdalin, which is a cyanogenic glycoside. If ingested in large enough quantities, the human body can convert amygdalin into cyanide, which is a toxic compound. Ingesting large quantities of crushed or chewed seeds from the cutleaf crabapple could potentially lead to cyanide poisoning. Symptoms of cyanide poisoning include headache, confusion, dizziness, shortness of breath, and seizures. In severe cases, it can lead to respiratory failure and death. It's important to avoid eating the seeds and to consume only the flesh of the fruit in moderation.
To pets
The most common common name for Malus transitoria is the cutleaf crabapple. Similar to humans, the fruit of the cutleaf crabapple is not inherently toxic to pets, but the seeds can be hazardous. The seeds contain amygdalin, a substance that can convert into cyanide when metabolized. If a pet consumes a significant number of crushed or chewed seeds, it may experience cyanide poisoning. The symptoms in pets can include vomiting, difficulty breathing, increased heart rate, seizures, and potential collapse. Cyanide is a fast-acting toxin, and in severe cases, it can be fatal. Therefore, it is crucial to prevent pets from accessing the seeds of the cutleaf crabapple and to seek immediate veterinary care if ingestion is suspected.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
15-20 feet (4.5-6 meters)
Spread
15-20 feet (4.5-6 meters)
Plant type
Tree
Hardiness zones
5-7
Native area
China
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Value: Apple species like Malus transitoria are often used in landscaping for their aesthetic appeal, including beautiful blooms in the spring and colorful fruit in the fall.
- Wildlife Habitat: The tree provides a habitat and food source for various wildlife species, such as birds and pollinating insects.
- Shade and Cooling: Trees like Malus transitoria can offer shade and natural cooling to the areas where they are planted, thus enhancing outdoor comfort.
- Erosion Control: With its root systems, this tree can help stabilize soil and prevent erosion in certain landscapes.
- Carbon Sequestration: As a tree, Malus transitoria helps in capturing atmospheric carbon dioxide, contributing to the reduction of greenhouse gasses.
- Educational Interest: Horticulturists and botany enthusiasts can study its growth patterns, fruit development, and role in ecosystems for educational purposes.
- Food Source for Humans: Depending on the species and cultivars, the apple-like fruits may be edible and can be used in culinary applications.
- Cultural Significance: Apple trees often carry cultural and symbolic meanings in various societies, and can be planted to honor these traditions.
- Improves Biodiversity: By incorporating such trees into landscapes, gardeners can enhance local biodiversity, supporting a variety of plant and animal life.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Malus transitoria, commonly known as the Chinese crabapple, can be used in bonsai cultivation due to its attractive blossoms and small fruit, which make it an excellent ornamental miniature tree.
- The wood of Chinese crabapple can be used for crafting small objects like handles, ornaments, and intricate turnery, taking advantage of its fine and dense structure.
- The fallen blossoms of the Chinese crabapple can be collected and used to create natural dyes or pigments for art and fabric staining.
- The fruits, while not popular for eating fresh due to their tartness, can be cooked and turned into flavorful jellies, jams, or preserves.
- Chinese crabapple can serve as a pollen source for bees in the springtime, making it a beneficial plant for supporting local bee populations.
- Leaves and twigs of the Chinese crabapple can be used as mulch to provide nutrient-rich organic matter for garden soils.
- The tree's dense branching habit provides shelter for small birds and other wildlife, making it useful for creating wildlife-friendly gardens or natural hedges.
- In landscape design, Chinese crabapple trees can be planted as part of a mixed border for seasonal interest due to their showy flowers and autumn fruit.
- During the fruiting season, the small apples can be used as natural decorations in fall displays or as part of craft projects.
- The tree can be used as a rootstock for grafting other more commercially valuable Malus species or cultivars, to confer properties such as pest resistance or cold hardiness.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Chinese crabapple is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Chinese crabapple is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Renewal: Malus transitoria, commonly known as the Chinese crabapple, blooms in spring, symbolizing new beginnings and the renewal of life.
- Hope: Its blossoms emerge even after harsh winters, representing hope and the persistence of life.
- Love: In some cultures, the Chinese crabapple's flowers are associated with love and marriage, possibly due to their delicate and attractive appearance.
- Peace: The fruit of the Chinese crabapple can be a food source for wildlife, symbolizing coexistence and peace between species.
- Beauty: With its ornamental flowers, the Chinese crabapple is often a symbol of aesthetic beauty and the appreciation of nature's artistry.
WaterThe Chinese Crabapple (Malus transitoria) should be watered deeply and less frequently to encourage strong root growth. During the growing season, typically in spring and summer, water the plant once a week with about 1.5 to 2 gallons per session, depending on the size of the tree and weather conditions. In hot, dry periods, increase watering to twice a week. During the dormant season, in fall and winter, reduce watering to once every two weeks or when the soil is dry to the touch. Consistent watering is important for young trees, but mature Chinese Crabapples are relatively drought-tolerant.
LightThe Chinese Crabapple prefers full sun to partial shade. It thrives best when receiving at least six hours of direct sunlight per day. Ideally, plant it in a location where it can enjoy uninterrupted morning sun followed by partial shade in the heat of the afternoon, or in a spot that receives full light exposure throughout the day.
TemperatureThe Chinese Crabapple is hardy and can tolerate a range of temperatures. It grows well in temperatures between 35°F and 85°F, which are within the typical range for temperate climates. However, it can survive winter temperatures as low as -20°F, making it suitable for USDA hardiness zones 4 through 8.
PruningPrune the Chinese Crabapple to maintain its shape, remove damaged branches, and encourage healthy growth. The best time for pruning is late winter or early spring before new growth starts, when the tree is dormant. Thinning out crowded branches annually can improve air circulation and light penetration throughout the canopy.
CleaningAs needed
SoilChinese crabapple prefers well-draining soil with a mix of loam, organic compost and some sand to ensure proper drainage. The ideal pH for Chinese crabapple soil is slightly acidic to neutral, ranging from 6.0 to 7.0.
RepottingChinese crabapple trees, being medium to large-sized, typically require repotting every 2 to 4 years as they grow; young trees may need more frequent repotting.
Humidity & MistingChinese crabapple trees are adaptable and can tolerate a range of humidity levels but they thrive best in moderate humidity typical of outdoor environments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure ample sunlight, rotate regularly for growth.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, protect from strong winds.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA.
Life cycleMalus transitoria, commonly known as the cut-leaf crabapple, begins its lifecycle with seed germination, typically following a period of cold stratification which breaks the seed dormancy. Sprouting leads to the development of a seedling, which grows into a juvenile tree through the regular development of roots, stems, and leaves. The tree reaches maturity when it starts to flower and produce its own fruit, which usually occurs after several years of growth. Flowers of the cut-leaf crabapple are pollinated by insects, leading to the formation of small pomes (crabapples) that contain seeds for the next generation. The fruit ripens, falls to the ground, and is either eaten by wildlife, which helps in seed dispersal, or decays to release the seeds into the soil. Finally, the mature tree will, under good environmental conditions, continue to grow and go through cycles of flowering and fruiting for many years, often several decades, before reaching the end of its lifespan.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to early summer
The most popular method for propagating Malus transitoria, commonly known as the Chinese crabapple, is through grafting. This technique is usually carried out during the dormant season, late winter to early spring. In grafting, a branch or bud, known as a scion, from a mature Chinese crabapple is joined to a rootstock of another apple variety. The scion and the rootstock are cut at matching angles to ensure a tight fit and cambium contact, then are firmly secured together with grafting tape or compound. Over time, the two parts grow together, combining the desired fruiting qualities of the Chinese crabapple with the robust root system of the rootstock. This method provides genetic consistency in fruit production and can enable the grafted plant to bear fruit in a shorter time than plants grown from seed.
