Crab Apple Trees – Malus sylvesteris

Description Properties of Crab Apple Plants – Malus sylvesteris Crab Apple Trees are very popular fruiting & flowering tree, often planted in native hedgerows in Ireland. They are planted in native hedges, usually mixed with Whitethorn Hedging, Hazel, Holly and Guelder Rose. They are a slow growing small tree with Leaves that are oval shaped structure and fade to yellow in Autumn before dropping off. Flowers are often white-pinkish and appear in May. Fruits appear in early Autumn and the apples are mostly green yellow with a reddish glow., Fruits are rich in Vitamin C but sour to the taste and are more often used in jams, The flowers are a great source of nectar for pollinating bees and the fallen apples a food source for ground mammals. They are hardy in cold weather and require very little pruning. However, if a late frost comes and damages the flowers, it might mean there will be no fruits present later in the year. Benefits of Crab Apple Plants to Biodiversity & Ecosystems Planting Crab Apples, be it as trees or mixed through native hedging, is a fantastic way of helping the environment and encouraging biodiversity in your garden. It can provide food and shelter for so many life forms, from birds and mammals, through to lots of different species of insects throughout the entire year. The greenish white flowers of Summer are a vital food source for pollinators, and the resulting apples, a valuable food source for birds and mammals. When planted mixed into a native hedge they make an attractive aesthetic in the rural surroundings all year round. Type: Fast Growing Soil: Preferably lime, tolerates damp. Status: Hardy in cold weather. Position: Sun or light shade Flowering: Pink fruits in Autumn.