Planting and Growing the Prairie Crabapple

Also known as the Iowa crabapple, the prairie crabapple is from the rose family of plants. It is native to the United States and is botanically known as Malus ioensis or as the synonyms Pyrus ioensis or Malus ioensis var. ioensis.

Prairie Crabapple Description

Growing up to 35 feet high, this dense tree has an open crown and exfoliating bark that shows silver-gray bark underneath. Flowers are clustered, white or pink, and big. The berry is yellow-green and apple-like. Fall color is a deep crimson shade. Bloom season is between May and June.

Growing Guide

This perennial prefers to grow in full sun with a moist nearly-neutral pH soil. It loves well-drained loamy soil. Propagate by seed, suckers, or by softwood cuttings. Seed can be fresh if sown in the fall or will need one to two months of cool stratification if sown in the spring.

Distribution

This native is found in the states of Arkansas, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New Jersey, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Texas, and Wisconsin. It is seen in wood edges and in thickets.

Problems

It is prone to the cedar-apple rust, leaf disease, and apple scab. Suckers will have to be pulled to have this plant be a single stem variety. They form thickets.

Food Use

The small yellow-green crabapples can be used to make cider and to make jelly.

Wildlife Use

This crabapple attracts birds and butterflies as a food source, shelter, and a nesting site. Squireels, rabbits, bobwhite birds, and pheasants adore the fruit.

Source: NPIN