Malus angustifolia (Aiton) Michx.

Southern Crabapple

Tree

Perennial

Vascular

Southern Crabapple is a native deciduous tree in the Rose family (Rosaceae). It is native throughout Alabama. Southern Crabapple occurs in dry woods, on fence rows, along power lines, and along roadsides. It is a large shrub or small tree reaching heights of 30 feet. The plants often form thickets from root sprouts. The trunk is twisted with reddish-gray bark that splits into long narrow ridges. Branches are spreading and the tree often has a rounded crown. Short side branches have sharp tips that form thorns. Leaves are alternate, petiolate, oblong to elliptic in outline, and have rounded teeth along the margins. The leaves are rather stiff and are pubescent on the lower surface. Flowers are produced in umbels of 3-5 flowers on short shoots. The flowers are perfect and have 5 pink petals. The flowers are very fragrant. The fruit is a globular yellowish-green pome. Southern Crabapple is available from many nurseries that sell native trees and shrubs, especially those that specialize in plants for wildlife. The sour apples are eaten by a variety of wildlife and can be used to make jelly, tarts, and preserves. The flowers are also heavily visited by bees.--A. Diamond

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Native

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