crab apple
Malus sylvestris
RHS Plants for Pollinators
USDA zones4 to 8
SunNeeds full sun (6+ hours)
WaterHandles moderate to moist soil
- Growth rate
- Moderate
- Habit
- Dense
- Bloom season
- Spring
- Bloom color
- Pink, white
- Foliage color
- Green
- Soil types
- Sand, loam, clay
Garden uses
Attracts
Notes
Crab apple (Malus sylvestris) is a tree for pollinator gardens, food gardens, and specimen planting. It is hardy to USDA zone 4, or down to -30°F (-34°C). This plant likes full sun and average to moist, sandy, loamy, or clay soil. It has a dense growth habit and grows at a moderate pace. Pink and white flowers open from early to late spring, and bees visit them.
Pairs well with Plum, Johnny jump up, and Switchgrass.
Native range
Europe, Corse, NW. Balkan Pen., Sardegna, and 2 more places. See all 6
Europe, Corse, NW. Balkan Pen., Sardegna, Sicilia, and Türkiye.