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Prairie Crabapple

Prairie Crabapple

Prairie Crabapple

(Iowa Crabapple)

Malus Ioensis

A very popular, hardy, ornamental tree native to midwestern USA that is commonly planted in gardens well outside its natural range. In spring, a profusion of pinkish-white flowers covers the tree making quite a spectacle. The leaves can turn a vivid red in fall if they escape defoliation from a variety of hungry critters. Small yellow-green fruits provide a wealth of food for birds and mammals both large and small.

Additional information

Foliage

Deciduous

Locale

Native to North America

Height

Small (under 30ft)

Width

Narrow

Form

Irregular, Round

Growth Rate

Moderate

Longevity

Moderate (50 to 100 years)

Hardiness Zones *

3, 4, 5

Sun Exposure

Full Sun (over 6 hrs), Partial Sun (4 to 6 hrs)

Soil Preferences *

Moist, Slightly Acidic, Well Draining

Soil Tolerances

Dry, Slightly Alkaline

Other Tolerances

Occasional Drought, Road Salt, Urban Pollution

Ornamental Interest

Fruit, Flowers (attractive), Leaves (colour)

Human Value

Carpentry (wood)

Wildlife Value

Bees (flowers), Birds (fruits/seeds), Butterflies (flowers), Butterfly Larvae (leaves), Insect Pollinators (flowers), Large Mammals (fruits/seeds), Small Mammals (fruits/seeds)

Seed Collection

Ordered Online

Planting Considerations

Messy Seed Litter

*Useful Links

Hardiness Zones – Canada’s Hardiness Zones

Soil Preferences – Multi-Purpose Soil Tester