Malus sylvestris is a small deciduous round tree, with ovate leaves and clusters of white flowers with a pink tinged edge in late spring, followed by green-yellow fruits.
 
Description
The Crab Apple is an attractive small native tree, reaching up to 10 metres tall. Unlike many trees it will only grow singularly, very often a woodland will only have one in it. The tree makes an irregular round shape with a broad canopy. It may be planted in apple orchards as a polliniser.
 
Planting Position 
Suitable for most locations and soil types. Can handle exposed sites and is very hardy. Best grown in heavy, moist, but well-drained soil and scrub.
 
Size 
Growth Rate: Medium 
Final Height: 8-10m 
Final Spread: 4-8m
 
Foliage & Flowers 
Leaves are a glossy green and oval in shape, with rounded triangular teeth. Flowers are white with a pink tinged edge. The fruits are apple shaped, predominantly yellow-green in colour but can have a red/white dappled appearance when ripe and are much smaller than a standard apple.
 
Plant Interest 
Crab Apple is attractive to wildlife, with the leaves providing food for many species of caterpillar. The flowers provide nectar for bees and birds, and the fruits are eaten by many species of birds and mammals.
 
Landscape Use 
Crab Apple works well as part of a mixed native hedge. It can also be used in orchards as a polliniser. Also can be grown as a compact ornamental tree with its all year round colour.
 
Uses 
The timber from a crab apple can be used for wood-turning and carving, it also makes for great firewood with is aromatic scent. The fruits are used to make crab-apple jelly and sometimes added to cider, which gives it a more interesting flavor.