Malus
sylvestris
(Crab Apple) Malus
sylvestris, better known as crab apple, is often
found in woodland, especially oak woodland,
and hedges. Often associated with old orchards
and farms, the Woodland Trust recommends going
one step further and bringing the tree’s
natural beauty to your own back garden.
 Colourful,
useful and hardy – these are just some
of the attributes that make the crab apple worthy
of a place in your garden. In spring this deciduous
tree shows off its attractive pink or white
apple blossom. Autumn’s colourful crop
of fruit will often go unmatched.
The fruit, or crab apples, look like miniature
apples; yellow-green in colour, sometimes tinged
with red. The fruits are best in September/October
and, although extremely sour when raw, are popular
for making jelly – our familiar crab apple
jelly. The garden birds, however, will thank
you for foregoing the jelly, preferring that
you leave their much-loved source of food in
tact.
Any gardener will be pleased to know that the
crab apple tree is hardy and will grow on most
soils, with the exception of waterlogged soil.
A well-drained, sunny location is ideal.
 Malus
sylvestris can grow up to 10 metres tall, so
some consideration needs to be given to space.
Don’t be discouraged, however, if you
don’t have a sizeable garden; there is
a wide selection of cultivated varieties, ensuring
something for even the smallest garden.
With its beautiful spring blossom and popular
autumn fruit, the crab apple is sure to bring
a huge amount of pleasure to you and your local
wildlife.
If you would like to learn more about the apple
orchards of County Armagh, their history and
apple customs and traditions then visit Armagh
Apple Blossom on .
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