Age: 1 yr
Size: 12-18"
Height at maturity: Typically reaches 15–25 feet (4.5–7.6 meters) as a small tree or large shrub, occasionally up to 35 feet (10.7 meters) in optimal conditions. Often grows with a single trunk or multi-stemmed habit.
Diameter: The trunk of a mature tree can reach 8–12 inches (20–30 cm) in diameter. The canopy spread is typically 15–25 feet (4.5–7.6 meters) wide, depending on growing conditions.
Crown shape: Develops a rounded to spreading crown with dense, irregular branching. Young trees are more upright and oval, maturing to a broader, open form with a somewhat gnarled appearance.
Benefits: Produces small, tart crabapples (ripening in late summer to fall) that are edible for humans (used in jellies, cider, or preserves) and highly attractive to wildlife, including birds (e.g., cedar waxwings, robins) and mammals. Offers ornamental appeal with fragrant, pinkish-white to white flowers (April–May) that attract pollinators like bees and butterflies, and attractive green foliage turning yellow-orange in fall. Provides cover and nesting sites for birds. Tolerates a range of conditions, including drought and poor soils, making it suitable for prairie or urban landscapes. Relatively low maintenance but may be susceptible to pests like apple maggot or diseases like fire blight or cedar-apple rust.
Best soil type: Prefers well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral soils (pH 5.5–7.0). Thrives in loamy or sandy soils with moderate fertility. Adapts to clay or rocky soils and tolerates dry conditions once established. Performs best in full sun for optimal flowering and fruit production.