Wild Crabapple (Malus angustifolia)Rose Family Wild Crabapple is a small deciduous tree native to the southeastern US. It typically reaches 15–25’ and often forms thickets via root suckers. The species is well adapted to a variety of well-drained soils and performs best in full sun to partial shade. In early to mid-spring, it produces fragrant pink flowers that attract a wide range of insects, including specialist pollinators. After flowering, the tree produces small, tart crabapples that ripen in late summer and are consumed by birds and mammals. The fruits are edible to humans, but are extremely sour and astringent when raw. However, their high pectin content makes them well-suited for use in preserves, ciders, and crabapple butter. It is self-incompatible, meaning that a single tree will not set much fruit on its own. For a good fruit set, plant near another genetically distinct individual. Plant in a site with good air circulation and prune for airflow to minimize susceptibility to typical crabapple diseases such as apple scab or cedar-apple rust. Blooms: Pink, 2-3 weeks, Apr-MayLeaves: Small, varied colorsHeight: 15-25’Space: 12-15'Soil: AverageExposure: Full sun-Part sun-Part shadeFauna: High value-specialist pollinators, host to hundreds of lepidoptera, fruit for wildlifeSeeds: 1” yellow-green fruit are sour and ripe in late summerDeer Resistance: LowZone: 4-9Native Status: NC native, common in the Coastal Plain, uncommon in the Piedmont and Mountains Provenance: NC, seed grown
