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Description
Malus Coronaria Var. Dasycalyx Charlottae, commonly known as the sweet crabapple, is a species of flowering tree in the Rosaceae family. It is native to the eastern United States and can grow up to 25 feet tall. The tree produces fragrant white and pink flowers in the spring, followed by small yellow or red apples in the fall. The leaves are ovate and green, turning yellow in the fall.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota ||——–|———–|| Kingdom | Plantae || Phylum | Spermatophyta || Class | Magnoliopsida || Order | Rosales || Family | Rosaceae || Genus | Malus |
Appearance
The sweet crabapple tree has a rounded shape with a dense canopy. The trunk and branches are grayish-brown and slightly rough. The leaves are 2-4 inches long and 1-3 inches wide, with serrated edges. The flowers are 1-2 inches wide and have five petals. The fruit is small, about 1 inch in diameter, and can be yellow or red.
Care Guide
Sweet crabapple trees require moderate watering and should be fertilized in the spring. They prefer well-drained soil and full sun exposure. They are hardy in USDA zones 4-8.
Common Pests & Diseases
Sweet crabapple trees are susceptible to apple scab, powdery mildew, and fire blight. They can also attract pests such as aphids, spider mites, and scale insects.
Habitat
The sweet crabapple tree is native to the eastern United States and can be found in forests, fields, and along stream banks.
Question and Answer
Q: What is the best time to plant a sweet crabapple tree?
A: The best time to plant a sweet crabapple tree is in the fall, when the soil is still warm but the temperatures are cooler.
Q: Can sweet crabapple trees grow in shade?
A: Sweet crabapple trees prefer full sun exposure, but they can tolerate some shade.
Q: Are sweet crabapple trees self-pollinating?
A: No, sweet crabapple trees require cross-pollination to produce fruit.
Q: How often should I prune my sweet crabapple tree?
A: Sweet crabapple trees should be pruned every year in the winter or early spring to remove dead or diseased branches and promote new growth.
Related Plants
– Malus Floribunda (Japanese flowering crabapple)- Malus Domestica (apple tree)- Malus Sylvestris (European wild apple)
References
– Missouri Botanical Garden. (n.d.). Malus coronaria var. dasycalyx ‘Charlottae.’ Retrieved June 8, 2021, from https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=d446- Virginia Tech Department of Forest Resources and Environmental Conservation. (n.d.). Malus coronaria L. Retrieved June 8, 2021, from https://dendro.cnre.vt.edu/dendrology/syllabus/factsheet.cfm?ID=355
