Description
The Crab apple is a native deciduous tree and is the wild relative of the commercial apple trees grown in the UK.
In Spring the Crab apple tree has sweet smelling white blossom tinged with pink, which is attractive to pollinators. Later in the year the small fruits appear just 2-3cm across which can be harvested on left on the tree for wildlife to enjoy. They are especially enjoyed by small mammals and birds.
Best planted in a a heavy and moist soil but not waterlogged, in sun or part shade.
Wildlife attracted:
Crab apples are great for wildlife. In Spring, the blossom attracts pollinators and the leaves are a larval food source for the caterpillars of several moths. The fruit will feed garden birds such as the blackbird and thrush, together with small mammals.
Other features:
The fruit has culinary uses, especially as Crab apple jelly or as an apple chutney.
Available to buy online or from The Blooming Wild Plant Nursery, Somerset
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