Also known as American Crabapple · Fragrant Crabapple · Garland Crab
Malus coronaria, the Sweet Crab Apple, is a small deciduous tree native to eastern North America, known for its fragrant pinkish-white flowers and small, tart fruits.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Full Sun
100% intensity
Requires at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day for optimal growth, flowering, and fruiting.
Moderate
50% intensity
Water deeply when topsoil is dry, especially during establishment and dry periods. Ensure good drainage.
Well-drained
50% intensity
Cold Hardy
50% intensity
Prefers temperate climates and requires a period of winter chill. Tolerates a wide range of temperatures once established.
Moderate
50% intensity
Light fertilization in spring for young trees; mature trees may need little to no fertilizer if soil is fertile.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | No 0/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | No 0/5 intensity |
| Edible | Yes |
None
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Water regularly during the first growing season to establish a strong root system. Once established, Malus coronaria is moderately drought-tolerant.
Water deeply when the top 5-7 cm of soil feels dry, especially during prolonged dry spells. Avoid waterlogged conditions which can lead to root rot.
Prune in late winter or early spring while the tree is dormant to shape the plant and remove any dead, damaged, or crossing branches. This encourages healthy growth and fruit production.
Remove suckers from the base of the tree. Light pruning after flowering can also be done to maintain shape.
Propagate Malus coronaria by grafting onto rootstock in late winter. Softwood or semi-hardwood cuttings can be taken in summer and treated with rooting hormone.
Seed propagation is possible, but germination can be slow and may require stratification, with resulting trees not true to parent type.
Repotting is generally only necessary for young trees grown in containers. Move to a slightly larger pot every 2-3 years in early spring before new growth begins. Ensure the new pot has adequate drainage.
Mature trees are best planted in their permanent location and do not require repotting.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Sweet Crab Apple (Malus coronaria)
Where Sweet Crab Apple (Malus coronaria) is found
Density
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Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Rosales |
| Family | Rosaceae |
| Genus | Malus |
| Species | Malus coronaria |
Similar in genus Malus
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
