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Description
Malus Angustifolia, commonly known as the Southern Crabapple, is a species of crabapple tree native to the southeastern United States. It belongs to the genus Malus, which includes other deciduous trees and shrubs such as apples and pears. The Southern Crabapple produces small, edible fruit that is often used to make jelly or cider. It is also a popular ornamental tree due to its showy flowers and attractive foliage.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Rosales |
| Family | Rosaceae |
| Genus | Malus |
| Species | Angustifolia |
Appearance
The Southern Crabapple tree typically grows to be 10-20 feet tall and wide. It has a rounded shape and a dense canopy of foliage. The leaves are simple, alternate, and ovate in shape. They are typically 2-4 inches long and have serrated edges. In the spring, the tree produces pink or white flowers that are 1-2 inches in diameter. The fruit that follows is small, typically less than 2 inches in diameter, and can range in color from green to yellow to red.
Care Guide
Water: Southern Crabapple trees prefer well-drained soil that is kept consistently moist, but not waterlogged. Water deeply once a week during the growing season, and less frequently during periods of drought.Fertilization: Fertilize the tree in the spring with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer.Soil: Southern Crabapple trees prefer well-drained, slightly acidic soil.Sunlight: The tree prefers full sun to partial shade.Hardiness Zones: Southern Crabapple trees are hardy in USDA zones 5-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Southern Crabapple trees are susceptible to a number of pests and diseases, including:Cedar Apple Rust: A fungal disease that causes orange spots on the leaves and fruit.Apple Scab: A fungal disease that causes black spots on the leaves and fruit.Fire Blight: A bacterial disease that causes wilting and blackening of the leaves and stems.Aphids: Small, sap-sucking insects that can cause stunted growth and yellowing of the leaves.Codling Moth: A moth whose larvae feed on the fruit, causing it to rot.
Habitat
Southern Crabapple trees are native to the southeastern United States, where they can be found in a variety of habitats, including forests, fields, and along streams and rivers.
Questions and Answers
Q: What is the Southern Crabapple’s fruit used for?
A: The fruit is often used to make jelly or cider.Q: What type of soil does the Southern Crabapple prefer?
A: The tree prefers well-drained, slightly acidic soil.Q: What pests are Southern Crabapple trees susceptible to?
A: Southern Crabapple trees are susceptible to aphids, codling moth, and a number of fungal diseases.Q: What is the Southern Crabapple’s hardiness zone?
A: Southern Crabapple trees are hardy in USDA zones 5-9.
Related Plants
Other species of Malus include:- Malus Domestica (Apple)- Malus Floribunda (Japanese Flowering Crabapple)- Malus Fusca (Pacific Crabapple)- Malus Sargentii (Sargent Crabapple)
References
– “Malus angustifolia.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=h420.- “Malus angustifolia (Aiton) Michx.” Plants of the World Online, www.plantsoftheworldonline.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:726280-1.
