Document Actions
Champion Information:
Height (Ft): 39
Circumference (In): 87
Average Crown Spread (Ft): 39
Total Points: 136
Nominator Name: Tom Morgan
Location: Lincoln County
Species Information:
Uses
Crabapples are used primarily in landscape plantings, in shelterbelts, and for wildlife benefits. The fruit is eaten by songbirds and upland game, and can be used for making jellies and spiced apples.
Status
Please consult the PLANTS Web site and your State Department of Natural Resources for this plant’s current status (e.g. threatened or endangered species, state noxious status, and wetland indicator values).
Description
Crabapples (Malus species) include about 25 species of deciduous or rarely half-evergreen trees or shrubs native to the temperate regions of North America, Europe, and Asia. They vary from a large shrub-like plant, 6 to 8 feet, to a medium tree, 15 to 35 feet. The branches are slender and upright. Flowers are showy and vary in color from white to pink to deep red. Blooms appear from mid April to early June depending on location. The apples produced are either red or yellow and vary in size from 1/4 inch diameter up to 3/4 inch.
Adaptation
Crabapples can be grown on medium to heavy soils that are somewhat poorly to well drained. The pH should be 5.5 or higher. Full sun is preferred for best performance, but they will tolerate light shade.
Crabapples are distributed throughout the majority of the United States.
Establishment
Crabapples, like other trees and shrubs should not be planted into living sod. The site should be prepared a year ahead so that early spring plantings can be made into weed free locations that are two feet larger in radius than the seedlings. Nursery seedlings of the species discussed above should be planted as early in the spring as possible. Grafted varieties are usually purchased as container plants. When planted, the graft must be above ground. Do not fertilize during the establishment year. Prune off all side branches that are not desired for permanent limbs, and provide protection from rabbits and deer in high population areas.
In hedgerows, space the plants 10 feet apart for ‘Roselow’ and 15-20 feet apart for ‘Midwest’. Plant at least 10 feet away from buildings. Mulching with hay, wood shavings, grass clippings, etc. will help maintain moisture and control weeds.
Management
Weeds must be controlled for the first 2 years if plants are to survive. The application of fertilizer is not recommended at the time of establishment. The size and shape of the tree can be managed by pruning. Prune all branches that form sharp angles with the trunk, and remove all side branches except those desired for permanent limbs. Once crabapples become well established, little care is required.
Pests and Potential Problems
Weeds and grass, if left to grow around young plants can stifle their growth. Rabbits may damage or kill young plants. If the rabbit population is high, some protection is recommended. Diseases include fireblight, apple scab, frogeye leaf spot, and black rot. Insects include fall webworm cankerworms, and apple maggot.
From Plant Database: www.plants.usda.gov
