Malus sylvestris – Wild crab, European wild apple

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Rosaceae

Malus sylvestris – Wild crab, European wild apple

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The wild apple is a small tree occurring naturally in Europe. It is a somewhat irregularly growing tree with a fairly loose, rounded crown. The bark is grey and flakes off in small plates. Sometimes the young red-brown twigs carry thorns. The ovoid to oval leaves are glossy green. The leaf edge is serrated. The flowers appear in May at the same time as the leaves. They are pale pink to white and measure approx. 3 - 4 cm. The round to ovoid fruits appear after the flowers. They are greenish-yellow sometimes with a red blush on the sunny side. Wild or escaped apples are often sweet. The tree prefers nutritious soil. M. sylvestris is one of the ancestors of the enormous range of fruits currently cultivated.
Availability
Clear stem (6)
Specifications
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Height
7 - 9 m
Width
6-8m
Crown
round, irregular, half-open crown, capricious growing
Bark and branches
hairless, grey, twigs brown to brownish-grey
Leaf
oval to ovoid, glossy green, 4 - 8 cm
Flowers
pale pink to white, single, Ø 3 - 4 cm
Fruits
ovoid to round, greenish-yellow, Ø 3 - 4 cm, edible fruits
Spines/thorns
Yes
Toxicity
usually not toxic to people, (large) pets and livestock
Soil type
nutritious, well drained soil
Soil moisture
withstand short flood
Paving
tolerates no paving
Winter hardiness zone
4 (-34,4 to -28,9 °C)
Wind resistance
good, susceptible to sea wind
Other resistances
resistant to frost (WH 1 - 6), can withstand wind
Fauna tree
valuable for bees (honey plant), valuable for butterflies, provides food for birds
Application
industrial areas
Shape
clearstem tree, multi-stem treem
Origin
Europe
Synonyms
Malus communis
Clear stem tree Multi-stem tree acid soil calcareous soil clay soil loamy soil sandy soil tolerates no paving resistant to frost (WH 1 - 6) suitable for shadow withstand short flood can withstand wind 2nd size, between 6 and 12 metres half-open crown green pink white May average growing Conspicuous bloom valuable for bees (honey plant) valuable for butterflies provides food for birds non-toxic (usually) Capricious growing Ornamental fruit Edible fruits yes
Frequently asked questions
Malus sylvestris

Malus sylvestris can eventually reach a height of 7 - 9 m, depending on the site and climate conditions.

Malus sylvestris is average growing and can eventually reach a height of 7 - 9 m, depending on the site and climate conditions.

The right time to plant Malus sylvestris is during the dormancy period. In Western Europe, Malus sylvestris with root balls can generally be planted from mid-November to late April, although this depends strongly on the climatic conditions and the species of tree.

Malus sylvestris blooms in may.
General