Pratt's crab apple Malus prattii
ABOUT
Malus prattii, commonly referred to as Pratt's apple, is a deciduous plant notable for its ornamental features. In the spring, it becomes quite a spectacle with a profusion of blossoms. The flowers emerge in clusters, displaying a delicate pink hue which gradually fades to a pristine white as they mature. The blossoms are made up of five rounded petals that encircle a conspicuous array of stamens in the middle, often appearing before the leaves fully unfurl. Following the floral display, the foliage comes into its own. The leaves are typically oval with a gently pointed tip and finely toothed margins, exuding a lush green that coats the plant with a dense canopy. In the fall, these leaves often change color, potentially showcasing a range of hues from yellow to red, providing a striking contrast against the cooler skies. As the seasons progress, the plant bears fruit which starts out small and green, maturing into a more vibrant color, possibly yellow or red, depending on the specific variety. The apples are generally round and may have a slight asymmetry, with a smooth surface that can be either shiny or possess a more matte finish. At the base of the fruit, a subtle depression surrounds its stem, and the opposite end typically exhibits a slight indentation where the flower once was. The bark of Pratt's apple is another characteristic feature, presenting a textured surface that matures from a smoother, younger facade to a more rugged appearance with age, often displaying vertical fissures and a range of earthy tones. The branches spread outwards, creating an arrangement that is both robust and graceful, adding to the structural beauty of this plant. Overall, Pratt's apple is cherished for its year-round beauty, marked by springtime flowers, verdant summer leaves, autumnal color changes, and wintertime branch and bark patterns.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Rosaceae
Synonyms
Pratt's Crabapple, Pratt's Wild Apple, Prattii Crab, Pratt's Apple
Common names
Malus prattii.
ToxicityTo humans
Malus prattii, commonly known as Pratt's crabapple, doesn't have specific information readily available regarding its toxicity to humans. Generally, the fruit of crabapple trees is not considered toxic to humans and can be eaten in small quantities when ripe. However, the seeds, leaves, and stems of crabapples contain cyanogenic glycosides which can release cyanide when digested. Symptoms of cyanide poisoning from consuming large quantities of seeds may include headache, confusion, nausea, difficulty breathing, and potentially coma or death if ingested in very high amounts. It is uncommon for people to consume enough seeds to reach toxic levels.
To pets
Malus prattii, known as Pratt's crabapple, isn't widely documented in terms of toxicity to pets. Similar to its effects on humans, the seeds, leaves, and stems contain cyanogenic glycosides that can be toxic when consumed in large quantities. If pets, like dogs or cats ingest such parts of the plant, they could potentially experience cyanide poisoning. The symptoms may include vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, difficulty breathing, and lethargy. Severe cases could lead to seizures, coma, and even death, however, it is rarely eaten in quantities sufficient to cause such extreme effects.
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
China
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Value: Malus prattii, commonly known as the Pratt's apple, adds aesthetic appeal to landscapes with its attractive flowers and fruit.
- Wildlife Habitat: The tree provides habitat and food for various birds and insects through its nectar, pollen, and fruit.
- Shade and Shelter: Pratt's apple trees can offer shade and windbreaks, creating microclimates beneficial for gardens and outdoor areas.
- Urban Greenery: This species is suitable for urban planting, enhancing green space and contributing to urban biodiversity.
- Erosion Control: The root systems of these trees can help stabilize soil and prevent erosion in certain landscapes.
- Seasonal Interest: With changing seasons, Malus prattii displays a progression of visual interest from spring blossoms to autumn fruit and foliage color.
- Edible Fruit: Although not a primary benefit, the small apples can sometimes be used for culinary purposes.
Medical Properties- This plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Horticultural Grafting Stock: Malus prattii can serve as a rootstock for grafting other apple varieties, to impart hardiness or disease resistance.
- Wildlife Habitat: The tree can provide shelter and nesting sites for various bird species within its native or cultivated range.
- Ornamental Use: Malus prattii's attractive spring blossoms make it suitable for aesthetic planting in gardens and parks.
- Photography Backdrop: The spring bloom of Malus prattii can create a beautiful setting for outdoor photography.
- Educational Tool: The tree can be used in educational settings to teach about plant biology, especially the life cycle of flowering trees.
- Dye Production: The bark or leaves might be used in traditional dying processes to create natural colors, though specific uses in dyeing are not well-documented.
- Beekeeping Support: Given that the tree produces flowers, it can serve as a forage source for bees to produce honey.
- Culinary Decoration: The flowers of Malus prattii, which are not toxic, can be used to decorate salads and desserts, once verified they are free from pesticides.
- Soil Erosion Control: When planted in groups, Malus prattii can help stabilize soil and prevent erosion with its root system.
- Windbreaks: The trees can be planted in rows to serve as windbreaks to protect more vulnerable plants or crops.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe plant_name is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe plant_name is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Beauty: Malus prattii, commonly known as Pratt's Crabapple, is admired for its beautiful blossoms, thus symbolizing beauty and splendor.
- Renewal: As a flowering tree that blooms in the spring, Pratt's Crabapple represents the idea of renewal and the start of new beginnings.
- Love: The delicate and fragrant blossoms of the crabapple tree are often associated with love and affection.
- Peace: The presence of the tree in gardens is seen as bringing tranquility and peace to its surroundings.
- Good Fortune: In some cultures, the abundant fruit of crabapple trees is a symbol of fertility and abundance, indicating good fortune.
- Balance: Pratt's Crabapple can also symbolize balance, with the tree's ability to offer stunning flowers and nutritious fruit, reflecting the balance of beauty and practicality.
WaterThe Tibet apple, also known as Malus prattii, should be watered deeply to ensure that the water reaches the tree's roots, avoiding light sprinkles which can lead to shallow root growth. During the growing season, the Tibet apple typically requires watering once every week to two weeks, with about 15-20 gallons per watering, depending on soil type and weather conditions. It is critical to reduce the watering frequency as the tree becomes established and to adjust based on rainfall, ensuring the soil dries out slightly between watering sessions. In periods of drought or extreme heat, an additional watering may be necessary to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.
LightThe Tibet apple thrives best in full sunlight, which means it should receive at least six hours of direct, unfiltered sunlight per day. The ideal spot for this tree would be an open area in a garden or yard that is well-exposed to the sun throughout the day. This will ensure optimal growth and fruit production for the tree.
TemperatureThe Tibet apple prefers a temperate climate and can survive temperatures ranging from approximately -20 to 100 degrees Fahrenheit. The ideal temperature range for this tree is between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit for optimal growth. This tree can withstand cold winters but requires a period of dormancy, which is typically induced by lower temperatures and shorter days.
PruningPruning the Tibet apple is essential to remove dead, damaged, or diseased branches and to shape the tree for optimal growth and fruiting. The best time to prune is late winter or early spring before new growth starts. Annually pruning to thin out crowded branches allows sunlight and air to penetrate the canopy, which is beneficial for the tree's health and fruit quality.
CleaningAs needed
SoilFor Malus prattii, commonly known as Pratt's apple, a well-draining soil mix is ideal. The soil pH should be slightly acidic to neutral, ranging from 6.0 to 7.0. A good soil mix for this apple tree would be composed of loam, organic compost, and a small amount of sand to enhance drainage.
RepottingPratt's apple, or Malus prattii, typically requires repotting every 2 to 3 years. Younger trees grow more rapidly and may need repotting more frequently, while mature trees can be repotted less often, as their growth rate slows down.
Humidity & MistingMalus prattii, known as Pratt's apple, thrives in average outdoor humidity levels. Ideal humidity for this apple tree is around 60% to 70%, which reflects typical outdoor conditions rather than indoor environments, and ensures healthy growth without additional humidity adjustments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure bright light and moderate temperatures for indoor Pratt's apple.
Outdoor
Plant in well-drained soil with full sun exposure for Pratt's apple.
Hardiness zone
5-7 USDA
Life cycleMalus prattii, commonly known as Pratt's crabapple, begins its life as a seed that undergoes a period of dormancy before germinating in favorable conditions, typically requiring stratification to break dormancy. Once germinated, the seedling emerges and develops into a young sapling, growing a root system and foliage as it becomes established. As the sapling matures into an adult tree, it experiences vegetative growth, producing leaves and branches, and eventually begins reproductive growth, yielding fragrant flowers in the spring. Following pollination, possibly by bees or other insects, these flowers develop into fruit – the characteristic crabapples. The crabapples contain seeds that, once dispersed, can grow into new trees, continuing the species' life cycle. Throughout its life, the plant undergoes annual cycles of growth in the spring and summer, followed by senescence in the fall and dormancy in winter.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Summer
Malus prattii, commonly known as Pratt’s Crabapple, is best propagated by grafting, which is the most popular method used for this plant. Grafting involves taking a scion, which is a piece of stem from a mature plant with desirable characteristics and then attaching it to a rootstock, which is a young seedling or a root piece that provides the root system for the grafted plant. For Pratt's Crabapple, the best time to graft is in late winter or early spring, just before the new growth begins. The scion should be about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 centimeters) long and have several buds on it. The graft union needs to be taped or waxed to ensure that the scion and the rootstock grow together effectively. This method allows for the combination of a disease-resistant root system with the desired fruiting characteristics of Malus prattii.
