Malus sylvestris
crab apple
M. sylvestris is a small, rounded tree with ovate leaves and clusters of pink-tinged white flowers to 5cm across in late spring, followed by yellow-green, sometimes red-flushed fruits 2-3cm across
Other common names
European applewild crab
Size
Ultimate height
8–12 metresTime to ultimate height
20–50 yearsUltimate spread
4–8 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
Spring | Pink White | Green | ||
---|---|---|---|---|
Summer | Green | |||
Autumn | Green | Green Red Yellow | ||
Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
North–facing or West–facing or South–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H6Botanical details
- Family
- Rosaceae
- Native to the UK
- Yes
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Bushy
- Genus
Malus are small to medium-sized deciduous trees with showy flowers in spring and ornamental or edible fruit in autumn; some have good autumn foliage colour
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- C Europe
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in moderately fertile soil; will tolerate partial shade. Ideal specimen trees for small gardens
Propagation
Propagate by seed sown in a seedbed in autumn or by chip budding in late summer. Grafting can be carried out in midwinter
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Wildlife gardens
- Wildflower meadow
- Low Maintenance
Pruning
Pests
Aphids, woolly aphid, fruit tree red spider mite and caterpillars may be a problem
Diseases
Susceptible to apple scab, honey fungus, apple canker, fireblight, blossom wilt and powdery mildews
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.