Crabapple, Japanese

The Japanese Crabapple typically reaches heights between 15 and 25 feet with spreads much the same. Due to its disease resistance and broad, rounded canopy that creates a beautiful form, the Japanese Crabapple ranks among the top crabapple trees. For best growth, the tree should be planted in loamy, well-drained, moist, acidic soil with full sun.

The alternate, simple LEAVES are generally 2-4” in length. The elliptical shaped leaves have serrate edges. In the fall the green leaves turn a non-showy yellow color before dropping.

In the spring, deep pink to red FLOWERS bloom, bring a pleasant fragrance with them. Each flower is 1-1 1/2” wide and slowly fades to white. Following the flowers, small (3/8” wide), yellow crabapples appear. The FRUIT has a tint of red and is usually not very persistent. While the crabapples are not showy, they do attract several types of birds.

While the Japanese Crabapple is more resistant to diseases then most crabapple trees, it is susceptible to scab, leaf spot, fireblight and powdery mildew. The berries provide food to various forms of wildlife, including birds. Humans also find the berries edible and sometimes use them in jelly.