Malus angustifolia (Southern Crabapple) Unity Grown

Malus angustifolia, also called southern crabapple, is a native crabapple species noted for its showy, lightly fragrant pale pink spring flowers, its small, edible fruits, and its widespread ecological appeal. Growing to 15-30' tall and 15-20' wide, southern crabapple makes for an excellent small specimen tree or the perfect addition to existing woodland margins or alongside larger, more established trees for some more color and wildlife appeal. Compared to their domesticated relatives, crabapples are smaller, and can be much more sour and bitter; even if they don't taste quite as nice while fresh, crabapples are the perfect choice for native edible landscapes, as their small pomes can be made into jams, jellies, or fermented ciders. And in addition to their fruits, these small trees put on an excellent spring show with 5-petaled flowers blooming from late winter into the early spring (depending on temperatures) and feeding a variety of important native pollinators.

Like other apple relatives, Malus angustifolia is not without pest or diseases issues, so care should be taken when planting in any location near orchards, or where apple fire blight has been reported. Despite its potential challenges, when given partial shade and moist, well-drained soil, southern crabapple lends visual appeal to any shadier landscape, and will attract beautiful songbirds throughout much of the summer and well into the fall and early winter. Crabapple trees can often be thought of as a nuisance when planted near sidewalks or above parked cars, but the compact size of these trees and their preference for established woodland plantings makes them an ideal choice for ecological value and a gorgeous splash of spring color.