Malus sylvestris - Crabapple

A native Irish tree often found in old hedgerows or found deliberated planted round old farmsteads, Malus sylvestris is a small to medium-sized deciduous tree with a spreading, rounded canopy and bushy habit. The mid-green leaves are oval. Beautiful pinkish-white blossom, very nectar-rich and attractive to pollinators, appears in May. The blossom is also very rich in pollen, and will pollinate dessert and cooking apple varieties. The tiny crab apples, 1”/2.5cm across, are yellowish-green, sometimes flushed with red; they are sour, but very rich in pectin, making a delicious jelly or wine, or useful for setting jam from fruit low in pectin. Crab apples can be grown as free-standing trees, or are excellent as part of a fruiting hedge.

Site: Tolerates exposure
Soil: Any well drained soil, preferably moist
Position: Full sun or partial shade
Season of interest: Spring and autumn
Hardiness: Very hardy
Height: up to 32’ (10m) Spread: 26’ (8m)

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