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Native Plant Database

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Malus angustifolia (Southern crabapple)
Cliffe, Harry

Malus angustifolia (Ait.) Michx.

Southern crabapple, Wild crabapple

Rosaceae (Rose Family)

Synonyms: Malus angustifolia var. angustifolia, Pyrus angustifolia

USDA Symbol: maan3

USDA Native Status: Native to U.S.

A small tree, 25-30 ft. tall, commonly forming thickets from root sprouts, spreading branches, and broad, open crown. Branches are usually spreading and form a rounded crown. Profuse pink flowers make a beautiful, fragrant show in early spring. Leaves are red when they emerge in early spring and are highlighted against colorful, scaly bark. Yellow-green fruit is not showy by ornamental standards.

This is the crab apple that grows at low altitudes in the Southeast, often forming thickets. Quantities of the fruit are consumed by bobwhites, grouse, pheasants, rabbits, squirrels, opossums, raccoons, skunks, and foxes. The hard, heavy wood has been used to make tool handles.

 

From the Image Gallery

Plant Characteristics

Duration: Perennial
Habit: Tree
Flower:
Fruit:
Size Class: 12-36 ft.

Bloom Information

Bloom Color: Pink
Bloom Time: Mar , Apr , May

Distribution

USA: AL , AR , DC , DE , FL , GA , IL , KY , LA , MD , MO , MS , NC , NJ , OH , PA , SC , TN , TX , VA , WV
Native Distribution: FL to s.e. TX, n. to NJ, KY, s. IL & AR
Native Habitat: Moist woods & woodland borders; fence rows; old fields
USDA Native Status: L48(N)

Growing Conditions

Light Requirement: Part Shade
Soil Moisture: Moist
Soil Description: Moist, well-drained soils.
Conditions Comments: Native crabapple are extremely susceptible to a myriad of maladies, especially in humid areas. They should be given ample space, good drainage and well-limed soil. This species may remain semi-evergreen in mild winters.

Value to Beneficial Insects

Special Value to Native Bees
Special Value to Bumble Bees
Special Value to Honey Bees

This information was provided by the Pollinator Program at The Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation.

Propagation

Description: Divide by removing suckers and root sprouts in late winter. Fall sowing seeds is easiest. Rootability of cuttings varies from tree to tree. Some softwood or semi-hardwood cuttings may produce roots.
Seed Collection: Not Available
Commercially Avail: yes

From the National Organizations Directory

According to the species list provided by Affiliate Organizations, this plant is either on display or available from the following:

Crosby Arboretum - Picayune, MS

Recommended Species Lists

Find native plant species by state. Each list contains commercially available species suitable for gardens and planned landscapes. Once you have selected a collection, you can browse the collection or search within it using the combination search.

View Recommended Species page

Additional resources

USDA: Find Malus angustifolia in USDA Plants
FNA: Find Malus angustifolia in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Malus angustifolia

Metadata

Record Modified: 2008-07-12
Research By: TWC Staff

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