tree

Crab apple

Malus sylvestris

Updated 4 Aug 2026 · AI-parsed entry

Crab apple (Malus sylvestris) — a tree, for Full sun, Medium water. Companions: Chives, Dandelion.

What it needs & gives back

↓ Needs

Lightfull sun to part shade
Watermedium

↑ Gives back

Fruitsmall, tart apples
Mulch_biomassmedium
Pollenabundant
Nectarabundant

Companions

Through the year

Through the year

JFMAMJJASOND
floweringFlowering occurs after chill fulfillment and when air temperatures consistently rise above 10°C in spring.
fruitingFruit development begins approximately 90 days after flowering and continues for about two months.
harvestFruits are typically ready for harvest in September.
senescenceLeaves begin to senesce and drop with the first autumn frosts and shortening days.
dormancyThe tree enters dormancy after the first hard frosts of autumn, lasting through winter.

Soil interactions

Drainagewell-drained
Nitrogen fixingNo
MycorrhizalYes
Accumulatespotassium, calcium
Soil textureloam, sandy_loam, clay_loam
Organic matterMedium
Compaction toleranceMedium

Propagation

Methodsseed, grafting
Difficulty3 / 5
Establishes in~3 yr
Stratificationrequires cold stratification for 60-90 days
Self-seedingLight
Divisionnot applicable

Wildlife & pests

Attractspollinators, beneficial_insects, birds
Can host pestsaphids, codling_moth, apple_scab
Can host diseasesfire_blight, cedar_apple_rust