Academics

Siberian crab apple

Malus baccata | Family: Rosaceae

submission: Chrissy McIntire

Identification:

Leaves—

small, oval shaped, green color, soft texture

Twigs—

rough, not very thin, dull gray

Flowers—

clustered white and pink flowers

Fruit—

smaller rounder mini apples

Bark—

rough texture, dull gray color

Hover over one of the descriptions to see an example.

Natural History:

Lifespan—

around 30–40 years.

General description—

Originally from Siberia, this relative of the common apple tree, has been cultivated by humans for millennia to make a variety of hybridized apples. They easily grow in many soil types. Flowers require full sun to grow in early summer.

Natural distribution and habitat—

Native to the northern temperate regions of Asia, Europe, and North America and today they are widely distributed throughout the United States.

Conservation status—

Commonly preserved by making hybrid varieties of them and because of their bright and fragrant flowers.

Uses—

Wildlife feed on this tree. For humans, this tree is commonly used as an ornamental tree and the apples are used to make jam.

References:

“Crab Apples.” Usda.gov, United States Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service, 5 February 2002, https://plants.usda.gov/factsheet/pdf/fs_malus.pdf
“CrabApples.” canadiantreetours.org, Canadian Tree Tours, http://canadiantreetours.org/species-pages/Crabapples.html
“Siberian Crab Apple.” Agr.gc.ca, Agriculture and Agri-food Canada, http://www.agr.gc.ca/eng/science-and-innovation/agricultural-practices/agroforestry/shelterbelt-planning-and-establishment/selecting-trees-and-shrubs-species/siberian-crabapple/?id=1346083827957