Malus sylvestris (European Crabapple) is a deciduous fruiting tree that is native to Europe and western Asia. the European Crabapple is a wild apple variety that is widely used in traditional medicine, bonsai growing and as a source of pectin that is used to make jams.
Suitable for Cold and Temperate climates.
Other common names for Malus sylvestris include the European Wild Apple and simply Crab Apple.
The fruit is used in many folklore medicinal recipes across Europe. Such examples include as a laxative, fevers, a poultice for flesh wounds and as a herbal tea from infusing the leaves.
For more fruit varieties click here or for those that are more ideal for bonsai growing click here.
Growth
Malus sylvestris is fruiting, deciduous tree that grows to a maximum height of 10 metres (33 feet) and a maximum width of 8 metres (26 feet). The leaves of a European Crabapple are ovate, dark green and glossy with an asymmetrical leaf base. Leaf margins are curved and serrated while the hermaphrodite flowers start blooming in late spring, have five red/pink/white petals each.
Branches are thorny and can become more so in response to pruning or browsing. The wild fruit is no bigger than 4cm (under 2 inches) wide and is quite harsh and acidic to the taste.
In the right growing conditions, European Crabapples can take around 7 years to start producing flowers and fruit from seed.
Note: Germination instructions can be found in the ‘Germination Instructions Tab’ below. Upon purchase you will receive these detailed instructions via email so that you have a permanent record.
FAMILY:
Rosaceae
CLIMATE:
Cold and Temperate climate
TEMPERATURE RANGE:
-15 to 30°C / 5 to 85°F
SOIL TYPE:
Soil must be well draining.
LOCATION:
Full Sun – Part Shade
HEIGHT:
Up to 10 metres (33 feet)
WIDTH:
Up to 8 metres (26 feet)
pH:
5.5-6.5
GROWTH TYPE:
Deciduous
WATER REQUIREMENTS:
Medium
POLLINATION:
Insect Pollinated
MATURITY:
7-10 Years
GERMINATION RATES:
50-55%
GERMINATION TIME:
Soak 24 hours
Warm Stratification for 2 weeks
Cold Stratification for 12 weeks, post sowing germination averages around 4-12 weeks.
GERMINATION DIFFICULTY:
Hard-Difficult
SEEDS PER GRAM:
35
MEDICINAL QUALITIES:
Yes
WEED POTENTIAL:
No
EDIBLE:
Yes.
SEED STORGE & VIABILITY:
Cold Storage at 4°C (Fridge) up to 5 years or Frozen Storage at -18°C (Freezer) for 35-40 years.
FACTS ABOUT MALUS SYLVESTRIS (European Crabapple)
Malus sylvestris is one of the main sources of pectin which is used to make jam.
The wood of the tree makes excellent firewood while a yellow or red dye can be obtained from its bark.
Apparently, the fruit flavour improves considerably if harvested after it has been frosted. The fruit is more often used as a poultice. It’s crushed into a pulp and applied to inflammation and small flesh wounds.
For more information about the European Crabapple click here.
