Contents
Description
Malus Spring Snow, also known as Spring Snow Crabapple, is a deciduous flowering tree that belongs to the Rosaceae family. It is a popular ornamental tree native to the United States and Canada. This tree can reach a height of 20 to 25 feet and a spread of 15 to 20 feet. In spring, it produces a profusion of fragrant white flowers that cover the entire tree, creating a stunning display. The flowers are followed by small red fruits that ripen in the fall, providing food for birds and other wildlife.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Rosales |
| Family | Rosaceae |
| Genus | Malus |
Appearance
Malus Spring Snow has a rounded, spreading form with a dense crown of dark green leaves that turn yellow in the fall. The leaves are ovate and serrated, measuring 2 to 3 inches long. The bark is gray and smooth, with noticeable lenticels. In spring, the tree produces an abundance of fragrant white flowers that measure 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. The flowers are followed by small red fruits that measure 0.5 inches in diameter and persist through the winter.
Care Guide
To keep your Malus Spring Snow healthy and beautiful, follow these care tips:
Water: Water the tree regularly during the growing season, especially during hot, dry weather. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.
Fertilization: Fertilize the tree in early spring with a balanced fertilizer. Repeat the application in midsummer.
Soil: Malus Spring Snow prefers well-drained, loamy soil. Amend heavy clay soil with organic matter to improve drainage.
Sunlight: Plant the tree in full sun to partial shade. It requires at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.
Hardiness Zones: Malus Spring Snow is hardy in USDA zones 4 to 8.
Common Pests & Diseases
Malus Spring Snow is susceptible to several pests and diseases, including apple scab, fire blight, powdery mildew, and cedar apple rust. To prevent these problems, keep the tree healthy by providing proper care, and prune infected branches promptly. You can also apply fungicides and insecticides as needed.
Habitat
Malus Spring Snow is native to the United States and Canada, where it grows in a variety of habitats, including woodlands, meadows, and stream banks. It thrives in moist, well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade.
Question and Answer
Q: How tall does Malus Spring Snow grow?
A: Malus Spring Snow can reach a height of 20 to 25 feet.
Q: What kind of soil does Malus Spring Snow prefer?
A: Malus Spring Snow prefers well-drained, loamy soil.
Q: What pests and diseases affect Malus Spring Snow?
A: Malus Spring Snow is susceptible to apple scab, fire blight, powdery mildew, and cedar apple rust.
Q: What is the hardiness zone for Malus Spring Snow?
A: Malus Spring Snow is hardy in USDA zones 4 to 8.
Related Plants
If you love Malus Spring Snow, you may also be interested in these related plants:
- Malus ‘Pink Spires’
- Malus ‘Royal Raindrops’
- Malus ‘Sugar Tyme’
- Malus ‘Adirondack’
References
- American Nurseryman. (2000). Flowering crabs. American Nurseryman, 191(12), 48-55.
- Dirr, M. A. (2009). Manual of woody landscape plants: Their identification, ornamental characteristics, culture, propagation and uses. Stipes Publishing LLC.
- Missouri Botanical Garden. (2021). Malus ‘Spring Snow’. Retrieved from https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=277130
- University of Illinois Extension. (n.d.). Flowering crabapples. Retrieved from https://extension.illinois.edu/crabapple/
