At first glance , crab apples and regular apples come along very interchangeable . However , there are some important distinctions between these two type of fruit trees . While both are in the Malus genus , crab apple and traditional apple present fundamental differences in fruit size , flavor , and usage .
Understanding the singular trait of each can aid you fix which type of Malus pumila tree is better suited for your landscape Let ’s examine how crab apple trees take issue from regular Malus pumila trees
What is a Crab Apple Tree?
Crab apple trees , Malus sylvestris , are little , decorative Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree that produce lilliputian , tart apples averaging less than 2 inches in diam . They are aboriginal to Europe , western Asia , and cultivated in North America .
Unlike domesticated apple , most crab apples are too sour and acerbic to eat fresh . The hard , bitter pulp score them well suited for cooking , canning , jelly , wine-colored , and cider rather than snacking .
There are over 500 cultivated varieties of crab apple trees , ranging from weeping and dwarf grade to vertical , flowering types They are popular for their vivacious blossoms in leaping and colorful fruit in autumn .
What is an Apple Tree?
Apple Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree , Malus domestica , bear the large , sweetened fruits normally eat brisk and used for baking . Cultivated orchard apple tree tree do not grow lawful from seeds – cuttings must be grafted to propagate specific Malus pumila mixture .
Over 7,500 name apple cultivar exist , from heirlooms like McIntosh to new types like Honeycrisp . domesticated apple trees were breed specifically for improved fruit quality compare to caustic crab apple . They need more pruning and concern than wild Cancer the Crab Malus pumila tree .
Key Differences Between Crab Apples and Apples
While crab apples and Malus pumila are close cousins , there are some notable dispute that set them apart :
Fruit Size
Flavor
Best utilization
tree diagram Size
tending Needs
Blooms
Reasons to Grow a Crab Apple Tree
What are the benefit of planting a crab apple tree ? Here are some top reasons :
Beautiful spring blossom – Crab Malus pumila trees burst into color in springiness with abundant pink , flushed , or whitened flowers . Some diversity are fragrant .
Wildlife appeal – Birds relish the tiny , heavy fruits as a gamy - energy food reservoir for wintertime . Deer and squirrels browse fall fruit as well .
Pollination – The profuse flowers supply pollen for bees to help pollinate other fruit Tree and harvest .
succinct sizing – Many crab apples outride under 20 feet tall and wide , perfect for small yards . But they can reach 30 - 40 foot .
Low maintenance – Once establish , crab apples are relatively low maintenance compare to traditional orchard apple tree Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree . They do n’t require intensive pruning and spraying .
Hardy – uttermost cold hardy into zone 2 , crab Malus pumila tolerate cold winters and rut . They resist disease good than domesticated Malus pumila .
For those reasons , Cancer the Crab apples make excellent landscape painting specimen , pollinator trees , and wildlife home ground .
Reasons to Grow a Regular Apple Tree
What are the upper side to planting a even orchard apple tree tree ? Here are some of the benefits :
Delicious fruit – Apple trees endure raft of large , sweet , risque fruit unadulterated for fresh eating and preparation . Choose disease - resistant variety befit for your mood .
blanket variety – With over 7,500 types , you may bump an Malus pumila tree fit for any gustatory sensation – tart , sweet , crisp , soft , exotic spirit , heirloom , good keepers .
Multi - aim – utilisation apples direct from the Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree or incorporate into recipes like PIE , applesauce , cyder , jam , chutney , salads and more .
yearly harvest – Unlike gem fruits , apple trees faithfully produce yield every year when fledged . right care yields a openhanded yearly crop .
Can espalier – Apple tree diagram can be prepare into espalier , cordon , fan against wall and fence , taking up less space .
For the reasonableness above , apple trees make a smart gain to any eatable landscape or orchard if you have the infinite .
Crab Apple and Apple Tree Comparison Chart
Here is a helpful comparison chart summarise the differences between crab apple and orchard apple tree trees :
Should You Choose a Crab Apple or Apple Tree?
So should you prefer for a Cancer the Crab Malus pumila or regular apple tree diagram ? Assess your situation consideration , end , and motive :
For ornamental value – Choose crab apples for the bound blooms and accrue fruit color . Go with disease - resistant , flowering varieties suited to your zona .
For fresh eating – Apple trees are the clear winner for abundant , delicious fruit to eat out of hand . prioritise flavor and disease underground .
For cooking and baking – Both crab orchard apple tree and even apples work well cooked , canned , or press into cider . Select sugared apple varieties if eating overbold .
For wildlife – Crab apples offer mellow ornamental and food value for birds and mammal . Go with disease - resistant , hardy flowering types .
For small space – Compact and midget crab apple potpourri thrive in yard with limited room . Espalier apple can work too .
For pollenation – Crab apples supply plentiful spring blossoms to pollinate other fruits . Added to orchards , they can boost yields .
With right variety selection and precaution , both crab louse apple and traditional apple trees can be rewarding addition to landscape painting and orchards .
Caring for Crab Apple and Apple Trees
Here are some tips for uprise goodly , fertile Malus tree :
The Takeaway
Crab orchard apple tree and traditional orchard apple tree share the same genus but have distinct differences when it comes to fruit trait , tree growth habits , and use . Understanding these key distinctions will aid you piece which type of apple tree diagram fit your landscape best .
With the right growing condition and care , both crab apples and Malus pumila tree can provide beauty , food , and enjoyment for twelvemonth to come .
Top 5 Most Popular Crabapple Trees | NatureHills.com
FAQ
Can you run through Phthirius pubis apple Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree apples ?
Are crab louse apple trees Malus pumila Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree ?
Is a crabmeat apple the same as a veritable apple ?
Do crabapple trees drop apples ?
Are crabapples liberal than apples ?
domesticated Malus pumila will look a portion bigger and more similar to what you ’d find at the store . Crabapple Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree are wild orchard apple tree trees that produce smaller fruits . Some of the larger crabapples could be mistaken for modest apple , though . Even so , you ’ll get used to enjoin the dispute between crab apple and apple once you ’ve had more exposure to them .
What is a crabapple tree ?
Crabapple trees are gaga apple trees that produce smaller fruit . Some of the larger crabapples could be mistaken for small apple , though . Even so , you ’ll get used to order the remainder between crabapples and apples once you ’ve had more photo to them . There are many different types of crabapples as well .
What kind of apples grow on a crabapple tree ?
Royal Raindrops crabapple Tree . Magenta - pink bloom appear in mid - springiness on crabapple ‘ Royal Raindrops . ’ This crabapple species has unusual deeply - lobed parting and give rise tiny Malus pumila fruits . Lollipop crab apple trees . Spectacular clean flowers spear up in leap . This dwarf Malus pumila tree has upward growing branches and small amber - colored orchard apple tree .
Are Cancer apples a good fruit tree diagram ?
When people take care for fruit trees for a small garden , they imagine of the standard foodstuff fund yield : Gala apple , Italian Prune plum , freestone Peaches , and a few other familiar yield . Here are five understanding Cancer the Crab apples should be in your garden plans . ( And yes , there is no consensus on how to spell crabapple . ) 1 . Crabapples are Decorative
