Southern Crabapple Care

The Southern Crabapple, although less common, has its charm in the Southeast. It might not be as vibrant as hybrids, but it offers lovely spring colors, edible fruit, good fall foliage, and colorful fruit that lingers through winter. This small native tree features striking pink blossoms in spring and becomes a favorite fall snack for deer and wildlife with its small red-green crabapples.

The Southern crabapple is a small tree, about 20 to 30 feet tall (6-9 m), with spreading branches forming a rounded crown. Its leaves are elliptical, sawtoothed, and turn paler underneath as they mature. The bark is gray or brown, and the fruit resembles small apples, ripening from September to December. These trees start bearing fruit in 3-5 years, with success depending on care during and after planting.