Southern Crab Apple (Malus angustifolia) Southern Crab is indigenous to the southeastern states and one of a very few species of apples that are actually native to North America. Much like many of our native plums, our native crabs are in decline due to ever-changing landscapes and practices. They were...
Southern Crab is indigenous to the southeastern states and one of a very few species of apples that are actually native to North America. Much like many of our native plums, our native crabs are in decline due to ever-changing landscapes and practices. They were more common back when we had more old- field/grassland type habitats that were set back with fire from time to time, as they don’t compete well at all in the “big woods” where they can’t get enough sunlight.
Southern Crab puts on a show of pinkish white blooms every spring, and pollinators use both the blooms and the foliage, which serve to pollinate the flowers and increase populations of good insects (think bird food) in the surrounding landscape. Although they can grow to 20-30 feet in height in an orchard setting, when planting them on more upland sites where they naturally occur, they can remain fairly compact. The clumpy plants serve as great cover for everything from rabbits, quail, and turkey poults, to making a nice spot for a deer to lay down under. The fruits go from green to blushed, and often ripen to a 1.5” diameter with a nice pinkish color. And while they are too astringent to eat out of hand, they make a fantastic jelly or wine, and deer and other critters readily gobble them up.
Southern Crab Apple Planting Tips
Plant these out in the open, on more upland type sites, as most apples prefer to be up and out of the humidity and can be more prone to foliar diseases down in the bottoms. Like most apples, Southern Crabs are not resistant to Cedar-Apple rust, but they seem to tolerate it well once established on an appropriate site.
Zone:
6 - 9
Soil pH:
5.8 - 7.2
Wildlife Value:
Excellent | Deer, Turkey, Fox Squirrel, Bear, insects/pollinators
Live plants and seedlings: Orders without a specific ship date selected at check out are shipped via UPS the first shipping day following the day the order is received. In order to ensure our live plants and seedlings are delivered in the best shape we do not ship on Friday Saturday or Sunday. You may select a shipping date up to six weeks from purchase date at check out.
Tree Protection and Supplies: Items are shipped via UPS the first shipping day following the day the order is received. We do not ship tree protection items and supplies on Saturday or Sunday.
Native Seed and Forb Blends : Native Seed and Forb blends are custom blended and shipped via UPS from Kentucky please allow three days from the day the order is received until shipment. We do not ship Native Seeds and Forb Blends on Saturday or Sunday.
No Refund Policy:
Mossy Oak Nativ Nurseries (Nativ Nurseries) guarantees that our product will arrive in good condition, alive, and true to its name as labeled. We take care in packaging our products. If your order is incorrect or does not arrive in good condition, contact our customer service desk within five (5) business days from your receipt of the product to report any mistake in your order or damage to the product. No refunds will be given however but, we will fix our mistake or rectify any damage by replacing the product at our expense. Nativ Nurseries makes no warranty, expressed or implied for any certain rate of growth or productivity for any of our plant products. Nativ Nurseries will not be responsible for crop failure, damage to products after the customer has received an order, or injuries due to non-recommended zone planting, frost damage, or any man made or natural cause beyond our control. Nativ Nurseries will consider replacing an order if a claim is made in writing or e-mail within five (5) business days from your receipt of the product explaining in detail what problems have occurred. However, Nativ Nurseries reserves the right to refuse replacement at any time.
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