Crabapple Malus × micromalus
ABOUT
The plant known as crabapple bears a captivating appearance, defined by its enchanting display of flowers. During the bloom season, it becomes a focal point of beauty with blossoms that can range in color from shades of pink to white. These flowers emerge in clusters, offering a delightful spectacle as they adorn the branches. The foliage of this plant is equally attractive, featuring leaves that are a lively green shade, contributing to the plant's overall lush look. The leaves are oval or sometimes slightly lobed, with a crisp and clean texture. As seasons change, the plant also produces fruit, which is typically small and may present in hues of red or yellow, adding a charming contrast against the greenery. The crabapple's fruit is not just visually appealing; it also attracts various birds and wildlife, which find the fruit irresistible. Overall, the plant exudes an ornamental charm that can enhance any garden setting.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Rosaceae
Synonyms
Midget Crabapple, Dwarf Crabapple, Miniature Crabapple
Common names
Malus micromalus (Makino) Makino, Pyrus micromalus Makino, Malus ringo Siebold ex H.O. Yu et al.
ToxicityTo humans
The plant known as the Crabapple is not widely recognized for severe toxicity to humans. However, the seeds of the crabapple contain amygdalin, which can release cyanide when metabolized in the digestive system. Cyanide is a potent poison, and ingesting large quantities of seeds could, in theory, release enough cyanide to cause symptoms such as headache, dizziness, confusion, anxiety, increased heart rate and blood pressure, difficulty breathing, and if significant enough, could lead to cyanide poisoning. Nonetheless, accidental poisoning from ingesting crabapple seeds is quite rare, as you would have to consume a very large quantity of seeds, and they must be chewed to release the amygdalin. The fruit flesh itself is not considered toxic and is actually edible, though it may be too tart for some people's preference.
To pets
Similar to humans, the Crabapple poses a potential risk to pets if they consume the seeds in large quantities. The seeds contain a compound that can release cyanide when digested. Signs of cyanide poisoning in pets include difficulty breathing, red mucous membranes, dilated pupils, panting, shock, and in severe cases, potentially death. It's important to prevent pets from having access to crabapple seeds, and while the risk is relatively low, caution is warranted. The fruit flesh itself is not toxic to pets, but as with any non-typical food, it can potentially cause gastrointestinal upset such as diarrhea or an upset stomach if they eat too much.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
10-20 feet (3-6 meters)
Spread
10-20 feet (3-6 meters)
Plant type
Tree
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic appeal: Malus × micromalus, commonly known as crabapple, offers ornamental value with its blossoms, fruit, and foliage, enhancing the visual appeal of gardens and landscapes.
- Wildlife attraction: The tree's flowers attract pollinators like bees, while its fruits provide food for various bird species and other wildlife.
- Shade provision: Although not a large tree, the crabapple can provide modest shade and contribute to a pleasant and cooler environment in garden spaces.
- Seasonal interest: This crabapple has visually distinct seasons, showcasing vibrant flowers in spring, lush foliage in summer, colorful fruit in fall, and interesting branch structure in the winter.
- Crafting and decoration: The fruits and branches can be used for decorative purposes in crafts and floral arrangements, especially in the fall and winter months.
- Educational value: The tree can serve as a living specimen for educational purposes, teaching about plant growth, pollination, and ecology.
- Low maintenance: Malus × micromalus is generally easy to care for and does not require extensive maintenance, making it a convenient choice for gardeners of all levels.
Medical Properties- No reliable information available on the medical properties of Malus × micromalus (midget crabapple).
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Crabapple jelly: Malus × micromalus fruit can be used to make a sweet and tart jelly that is often enjoyed with bread and pastries.
- Natural dye: The fruit can be boiled to extract a natural dye for fabrics or crafts.
- Landscape design: With its attractive blossoms and compact size, crabapples are frequently used in ornamental gardening and landscaping.
- Bonsai: Due to its small fruit and flowers, crabapple is an excellent choice for the art of bonsai.
- Wildlife attractant: The tree provides food for birds and small animals, particularly in the fall and winter months.
- Woodworking: The wood of Malus × micromalus can be used in woodworking and carving, often for small objects like tool handles or decorative items.
- Photography subject: The blossoming crabapple tree is a popular subject for photographers, especially in the spring.
- Fruit leather: Pureed crabapples can be dried into fruit leather, a healthy and natural snack.
- Windbreaks: When planted in a row, these trees can act as windbreaks to protect smaller, more delicate plants.
- Educational tool: Crabapple trees can be used in educational settings to teach grafting techniques or to study plant growth and development.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Crabapple is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Crabapple is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Beauty: Malus × micromalus, commonly known as Crabapple, is often associated with beauty due to its delicate and ornamental flowers that bloom beautifully in spring.
- Love: In some cultures, crabapple flowers symbolize love, and giving a crabapple blossom is a way of expressing affection to someone.
- Renewal and Starting Over: Since crabapple trees are one of the first to bloom in spring, they can symbolize new beginnings and the rejuvenation of nature.
- Temptation and Forbidden Fruit: Although not specifically the tree from the biblical story of Adam and Eve, crabapples are sometimes linked with the idea of temptation due to their resemblance to apples.
- Youthfulness: The youthful and vibrant energy of crabapples when they flower symbolizes youth and the vitality of life.
WaterThe Crabapple tree (Malus × micromalus) needs consistent moisture, and it’s essential to water the tree deeply once a week providing about 1.5 to 2 gallons of water for younger trees. Increase to 3.5 to 4.5 gallons as the tree matures, depending on the weather conditions and soil type. During hot, dry periods, watering frequency should be increased to twice a week. Ensure the water penetrates deeply into the soil to encourage root growth. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so allow the soil to dry out slightly between watering sessions.
LightCrabapple trees prefer full sun conditions to thrive, meaning they should receive at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. The best spot for a Crabapple tree is an open area away from buildings or taller trees that might cast shade. Sufficient light is crucial for the health of the tree and to ensure abundant flowering and fruiting.
TemperatureCrabapple trees are adaptable to a range of temperatures, but they thrive in areas with a winter chill and temperate summers. They can survive temperatures as low as -20 to -30°F in dormancy and can handle summer highs up to 90°F. The ideal growing temperature for Crabapple trees is between 60 and 75°F.
PruningCrabapple trees should be pruned to remove dead or diseased wood and to shape the tree, which helps to improve sunlight penetration and air circulation. Pruning is best done in late winter or early spring before new growth starts. Light pruning can also be done in late summer after the tree has flowered. Prune sparingly as excessive cutting can stimulate unwanted growth.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe Crabapple prefers well-draining, loamy soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0. A mix of garden soil, compost, and perlite or sand can be ideal to ensure proper drainage and fertility.
RepottingCrabapple trees should be repotted every 2-3 years or when they outgrow their current container, whichever comes first.
Humidity & MistingCrabapples tolerate a wide range of humidity levels but prefer average to high humidity consistent with outdoor conditions.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure full sun, well-draining soil, and cooler winter temps.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, well-draining soil; mulch to retain moisture.
Hardiness zone
4-8 USDA
Life cycleMalus × micromalus, commonly known as midget crabapple or Micromalus apple, begins its life cycle with seed germination, where the seed requires a period of cold stratification to break dormancy. The seedling stage follows, where the plant develops its root system and primary leaves, before entering the juvenile phase, characterized by rapid vegetative growth without flowering. After several years, the plant reaches maturity and enters the reproductive phase, producing clusters of fragrant pink or white blossoms in early spring that are pollinated by insects. Following pollination, the flowers develop into small crabapples which mature by late summer or early fall, when the fruit can be harvested. These crabapples contain seeds that, when dispersed, can start the cycle anew if conditions are favorable. The midget crabapple is a perennial species, and once mature, can continue to produce flowers and fruit for many years, often living several decades.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Summer
Crabapple trees, which include the Malus × micromalus, are commonly propagated through a method known as grafting. This process involves taking a piece of stem, or scion, from a desirable parent tree and physically attaching it to a compatible rootstock. Grafting is typically carried out in late winter or early spring, before the tree starts to actively grow. The scion, which is usually about 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 centimeters) long, should have at least two or three buds. It is carefully spliced into the rootstock using a technique like the whip-and-tongue method, which ensures a snug fit and good cambial contact between the scion and rootstock, and then it is secured in place with grafting tape or a similar material. The graft should be kept moist and allowed to heal, a process which can take several weeks. Once healed, the grafted tree can grow to become a mature crabapple tree that bears fruit consistent with the parent's characteristics.
