Family: Rosaceae
Author: (L.) Mill.
Bibliography: Gard. Dict. ed. 8: Malus n.º 2 (1768)
Year: 1768
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Malus
Vegetable: False
Observations: SE. Canada to NC. & E. U.S.A.
Description
Sweet crab apple, scientifically known as Malus coronaria, is a deciduous tree belonging to the family Rosaceae. Native to the southeastern regions of Canada stretching down to North Carolina and the eastern United States, this tree contributes significantly to the natural landscape with its charming aesthetics and ecological benefits.
The tree is typically characterized by its rounded crown and spreading branches, creating an impressive silhouette that can enhance garden spaces and natural habitats alike. In spring, Sweet crab apple heralds the season’s arrival with a profusion of fragrant, pink to white flowers that not only offer a visual feast but also attract a myriad of pollinators, playing a crucial role in sustaining local wildlife.
As the seasons progress, these delicate flowers give way to small, greenish-yellow, or occasionally more reddish apple-like fruits. By autumn, the fruits mature, often retaining their tartness which makes them less suitable for raw consumption but excellent for various culinary uses such as jellies, preserves, and cider, providing a historical staple for many indigenous cultures and early settlers.
The foliage of Malus coronaria is equally striking, comprised of medium to dark green leaves that turn vibrant shades of yellow in the fall, adding a splash of color to the autumnal scenery. The tree is also esteemed for its robust nature, able to thrive in a variety of soil types, though it generally prefers well-drained soils and a position that offers full to partial sunlight.
Moreover, beyond its ornamental and practical uses, the Sweet crab apple holds a place in the ecological web by providing sustenance and habitat for various wildlife species. Birds, in particular, are drawn to the tree for its fruit, while its dense branching offers excellent nesting spots.
In terms of landscaping, the Sweet crab apple is valued not only for its environmental contributions but also for its moderate size, which makes it suitable for urban planting and residential gardens. Whether standing alone or grouped in clusters, it can serve as a beautiful focal point or a complementary element in a diversified planting scheme.
Historically, this species was first described in the 8th edition of The Gardeners Dictionary by Philip Miller in 1768, indicating the long-standing appreciation and recognition of Malus coronaria within the botanical community.
In conclusion, Sweet crab apple (Malus coronaria) is not only an attractive and versatile tree but also a valuable player in local ecosystems. Its aesthetic charm, combined with its ecological and practical benefits, ensures that it remains a cherished presence in both natural and cultivated landscapes.
Common Names
Eng: american crabapple, sweet crab apple, fragrant crabapple, garland tree, sweet crabapple, narrow-leaved crabapple, wild crabapple
Deu: kronen-apfel
Swe: amerikansk apel
Fra: pommier odorant, pommier américain
En: Sweet crab apple, American crabapple, Fragrant crabapple, Garland tree, Sweet crabapple, Narrow-leaved crabapple, Wild crabapple
Ar: تفاح إكليلي
Fi: Kruunuomenapuu
Fr: Pommier odorant, Pommier américain
De: Kronen-Apfel
Ru: Яблоня венечная
Sv: Amerikansk apel, Amerikansk
Vi: Táo dại quả ngọt
Synonyms
- Pyrus coronaria f. florepleno (Anon.)
- Malus carolinensis var. ellipsoidalis (Ashe)
- Malus carolinensis (Ashe)
- Malus bracteata (Rehder)
- Pyrus coronaria var. sempervirens (Weston)
- Pyrus coronaria f. plena ((C.K.Schneid.) Voss)
- Malus fragrans var. elongata (Rehder)
- Malus fragrans (Rehder)
- Malus glabrata (Rehder)
- Pyrus coronaria var. fragrans ((Rehder) Farw.)
- Pyrus coronaria var. tomentella (Farw.)
- Malus glaucescens (Rehder)
- Pyrus coronaria var. lancifolia ((Rehder) Fernald)
- Pyrus suaveolens (Wender.)
- Pyrus glaucescens ((Rehder) L.H.Bailey)
- Pyrus elongata ((Rehder) Ashe)
- Pyrus prunifolia var. suaveolens ((Wender.) Regel)
- Malus elongata var. pubens (Ashe)
- Malus suaveolens ((Wender.) M.Roem.)
- Malus elongata ((Rehder) Ashe)
- Malus coronaria var. glaucescens ((Rehder) Likhonos)
- Malus coronaria var. plena (C.K.Schneid.)
- Malus coronaria var. typica (Rehder)
- Pyrus lancifolia ((Rehder) L.H.Bailey)
- Malus coronaria f. nieuwlandiana (A.D.Slavin)
- Malus coronaria var. elongata ((Rehder) Rehder)
- Malus coronaria var. bracteata ((Rehder) Likhonos)
- Malus coronaria var. glabrata ((Rehder) Likhonos)
- Pyrus carolinensis var. ellipsoidalis ((Ashe) Ashe)
- Malus angustifolia var. flore-pleno (Morel)
- Pyrus carolinensis ((Ashe) Ashe)
- Pyrus bracteata ((Rehder) L.H.Bailey)
- Pyrus glabrata ((Rehder) L.H.Bailey)
- Malus lancifolia (Rehder)
- Pyrus coronaria var. elongata ((Rehder) L.H.Bailey)
- Crataegus coronaria ((L.) Salisb.)
- Malus coronaria var. lancifolia ((Rehder) C.F.Reed)
- Pyrus coronaria var. dasycalyx ((Rehder) Fernald)
- Pyrus coronaria (L.)
- Malus coronaria f. charlottae (Rehder)
- Malus coronaria var. dasycalyx (Rehder)
- Malus coronaria f. flore-pleno ((Morel) Al.Fed.)
- Sorbus coronaria ((L.) MacMill.)
- Malus microcarpa coronaria ((L.) Carrière)
- Malus coronaria var. angustifolia ((Rehder) Likhonos)
- Malus coronaria aurea (Krüssm.)
Distribution
- Alabama (native)
- Arkansas (native)
- Delaware (native)
- District of Columbia (native)
- Georgia (native)
- Illinois (native)
- Indiana (native)
- Kansas (native)
- Kentucky (native)
- Louisiana (native)
- Maryland (native)
- Michigan (native)
- Missouri (native)
- New Jersey (native)
- New York (native)
- North Carolina (native)
- Ohio (native)
- Ontario (native)
- Pennsylvania (native)
- South Carolina (native)
- Tennessee (native)
- Virginia (native)
- West Virginia (native)
- Wisconsin (native)
- Minnesota (introduced)
Additional Images
Other
Taken May 31, 2021 by Dieter Albrecht (cc-by-sa)
Flower
Taken May 16, 2022 by remiiijenn (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 24, 2022 by Poulson lina (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 23, 2022 by G J (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 21, 2022 by roxane Anllo (Kenline) (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 25, 2020 by hesperidium (cc-by-sa)
Leaf
Taken May 31, 2021 by Dieter Albrecht (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 31, 2021 by Dieter Albrecht (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 16, 2022 by remiiijenn (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 17, 2022 by McKay Burley (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 3, 2022 by trevor simons (cc-by-sa)
Bark
Taken May 31, 2021 by Dieter Albrecht (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 16, 2022 by remiiijenn (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 3, 2022 by trevor simons (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken May 31, 2021 by Dieter Albrecht (cc-by-sa)
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3001166)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:726269-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Malus coronaria (L.) Mill.)
Specifications
Growth form>: Multiple Stem
Growth habit>: Tree, Shrub
Growth rate>: Moderate
Growth
Ph maximum: 7.5
Ph minimum: 5.0
