Manchurian crabapple is a tree native to northeastern Asia, with clusters of white flowers and tiny red crabapples. The cultivated ‘Midwest’ form is planted in windbreaks in the Upper Midwest and can survive about −40°F (−40°C).
Appearance
Appearance
The red fruits are small, usually about 0.3–0.5 in (0.8–1.2 cm) wide.
Growth form
It is a densely branched tree; wild plants can reach about 49 ft (15 m).
Leaves
The oval leaves have finely toothed edges. Young leaf stalks and the veins on the lower surface usually carry fine hairs.
Flowers
White flowers about 1.2–1.4 in (3–3.5 cm) wide appear in small clusters at branch tips.
Fruit
The tiny crabapples may dry and remain on the tree into winter.
Manchurian crabapple usually has fine hairs on young leaf stalks, lower leaf veins, and flower stalks, while typical Siberian crabapple (Malus baccata) is nearly hairless. A close leaf-and-stalk photo is often needed.
Why they get mixed up · Both have white flowers and clusters of tiny crabapples.
Manchurian crabapple has mature fruit only about 0.3–0.5 in (0.8–1.2 cm) wide. Cultivated apples (Malus domestica) have much larger fruit, although spring flower photos can still be confusing.
Why they get mixed up · Their five-petaled blossoms look similar.
Where it lives
Typical habitats
windbreaks
conservation plantings
well-drained open sites
Range
It is native to temperate northeastern Asia. The ‘Midwest’ selection is used from Wisconsin to Montana and south to Kansas and Indiana.
Preferred conditions
The ‘Midwest’ selection grows best in deep soil that drains well and tolerates drought and severe winter cold.
Connected species
Ties with other wildlife
In Upper Midwest plantings, waxwings and squirrels eat the small fruit, which can remain on the tree into winter.
Name and classification
About the name
It is also treated as the variety Malus baccata var. mandshurica.
Varieties and forms
‘Midwest’ is a selected for cold-region windbreaks and wildlife plantings.