Pacific Crabapple

Scientific name

Malus fusca

Description

Pacific Crabapple is a deciduous tree species that typically grows between 6 and 10 m in height. This plant may also be known by the common names Western Crabapple or Oregon Crabapple. The leaves are dark green colored with pale green undersides, alternately arranged, oval shaped, and have serrated toothed margins. The flowers are white to pink colored, have five petals, appear in upright clusters, are fragrant, and bloom between April and May. These flowers produce clusters of tiny reddish purple to yellowish green colored fruit. The fruits are edible but sour if eaten raw. The flowers are beneficial to pollinator species, such as bees and butterflies. The fruit and habitat are beneficial to wildlife species, such as birds and small mammals. This tree can grow as either an ornamental tree or a hedge-like shrub, depending on pruning. The roots are good for controlling erosion and stabilizing shorelines. This is the only native apple tree in British Columbia.

Planting conditions

Pacific Crabapple grows best in moist to wet conditions with full sun exposure. It can grow in a variety of soils, including heavy clay. It is considered a hardy plant, tolerant to poor soil and drought. This tree can be naturally found in wet meadows, moist forests, or along stream and lake shorelines.

Details

• Plant height:
  • Any
  • Over 3m
• Moisture level:
  • Normal
  • Moist
  • Wet
  • Drought Tolerant
• Light conditions:
  • Full sun
  • Partial sun
• Soil type:
  • Sandy
  • Loamy
  • Clay
• pH:
  • Normal
• Depth:
  • Potted
• Eco Zone:
  • 4a
  • 4b
  • 5a
  • 5b
  • 6a
  • 6b
  • 7a
  • 7b
  • 8a
• Plant type:
  • Tree
• Height:
  • 6-10 m
• Spread:
  • 3 m