(Malus angustifolia)
The Rose Family (Rosaceae)
Small tree with a broad open crown, narrow, deciduous leaves arranged alternately along the twig, armed with thorns. Thin reddish-brown bark with vertical fissures.
Habitat:
Moist forest borders and openings; not commonly found in the Arboretum.
Interesting Facts:
Small tart apple makes good jelly because of its high pectin content. Hard heavy wood used for tool handles.
Fruit:
Small (.75 -1”) round and yellowish green pome (apple).
Flower:
Five petaled blossoms appear in spring, flowering at first pink then fading to white. Insects must carry pollen from flowers on one tree to flowers on another tree in order to produce fruit (cross pollination).
Wildlife value:
Hundreds of species of butterfly and moth caterpillars eat the leaves and many bees visit the flowers for pollen and nectar. Fruit is a favorite of many birds, deer and other wildlife including foxes, skunks and cottontail rabbits.
Flowers
Fruit
Leaf type:
Simple
Pollinator:
Wildlife value:
Tree dimensions:
Leaf length: 1.00-3.00 inches
Tree height: 15.00-30.00 feet
Where to find Southern Crab Apple on the Louisiana State Arboretum Trails:
PAW - Pawpaw Loop Trail 7.0
Refer to our Live Map to locate this species and its interpretative signage on the trail system.