Crab apple
Malus sylvestris
IMPORTANT NOTE: Due to current growing conditions this species may be shorter than we usually expect and fall outside of approximations given.
Please note that due to recent heat and humidity, some species may show signs of rust, leaf spot and mildew. These conditions are common this time of year and are not harmful to the saplings. Once planted and given enough space for sufficient air flow, the saplings will recover over the next season.
Crab apple is a wild ancestor of the cultivated apple and its wood has long been associated with love and marriage. Its sweetly-scented, pink-white blossom appears in spring and its apples ripen in later summer to autumn. You can use crab apples to make jellies and jams..
Crab apple estimate full grown height:
7-9 metres, growing an estimated 30cm each year.
Purchase size and growth:
These trees are cell-grown saplings, ranging from approximately 15cm-60cm in height. Cell grown trees can be planted all year round in most situations as long as they are given the correct care. Please be aware that depending upon the time of year you receive your sapling (particularly early spring) it may not look very perky upon arrival, please do not worry once it has been planted it should pick up quickly.
Value to wildlife:
The flowers are a good source of early pollen and nectar for insects, particularly bees. Birds like the fieldfare, song thrush, blackbird and redwing enjoy the fruits. Mammals, like mice, voles and badgers, are also partial to the fruit as well.
Crab apple preferred soil type or environmental conditions:
Prefers sun or semi-shade, will tolerate most soil types and dryness.
Please note that you may require tree protection if your saplings will be at risk of damage from mammals such as rabbits or deer. Take a look at our available tree protection.
UK and Ireland Sourced and Grown (UKISG):
Every sapling that we provide is UK and Ireland sourced and grown to minimise the risk of importing and spreading tree pests and diseases. Seeds are collected and stored in the UK and Ireland, and they are all coded and batched so that we can track each individual tree.
Learn more about this species on our crab apple profile.
The images in this product listing show the saplings bundled and wrapped. This plastic wrap is made from LDPE (low-density polyethylene) and is 100% recyclable, we encourage users to recycle them when you are ready to plant your trees.
