Wild Crabapple (yellow)

Description:

Apples and crabapples are in the rose family, Rosaceae, in the genus Malus. Crabapples are differentiated from apples based on fruit size. If fruit is two inches in diameter or less, it is termed a crabapple. If the fruit is larger than two inches, it is classified as an apple. full bloom could occur as early as late April or delay until mid-May. Blossoms open from pink buds and change to paler white shades after opening. Fruit is borne in the summer and fall. Colors range from the reds and oranges to golden yellow and even some green.

Habitat:

Full sun or semi-shade; needs protection from full summer sun. Do not allow the soil to dry out completely. Requires plenty of water when fruiting, or the apples will shrivel and drop. Do not mist, as this encourages mildew. crabapples are adaptable but thrive in rich loam type soil (a combination of clay, silt, and sand). Regardless of soil type, good drainage is a must for tree health. Crabapples grow best in a moist, slightly acidic soil with a pH of 5.0 to 6.5. Excessively moist areas and low spots should be avoided. On the other hand, relatively dry sites can be tolerated by crabapples if plant stresses are minimized during the first year after transplanting.