Malus fusca
Western Crabapple’s small stature and three-season interest make it an excellent yard tree - particularly in gardens where soils are moist to wet. In the spring, small clusters of pinkish, white fragrant blossoms hang plentifully from its branches. By fall, the flowers mature into small, sour, golden-red crabapples that persist into winter and are an important late-season food source for more than 30 species of Oregon birds. The foliage also provides striking fall color, with shades of orange and bright red.
- Plant type/canopy layer: deciduous, perennial, small tree
- Size at maturity: 15 - 30' tall, 15 - 25' wide
- Light requirements: full sun, part-sun/part-shade
- Moisture requirements: moist to seasonally wet soil
- Bloom time: April - May
- Growth rate/ease: easy to grow, medium growth rate
- Wildlife support: over 30 species of birds are known to use this tree
- Native habitat/range: Found in wetlands and riparian forests. Portland Plant List - yes.
- Special features & uses: supports hummingbirds, wildlife favorite
Gardening with Western Crabapple: Western Crabapple is ideal for wet and poorly draining parts of a garden, including heavy clay soils. It can even live near salt water.
Photo Credits: "Malus fusca kz2.jpg" by Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0