1. Native / Non-native Status
Native to the UK and much of Europe. Considered Britain’s only truly native wild apple species, though it hybridises with domestic apples.
2. Evergreen / Deciduous
Deciduous – leaves fall in autumn.
3. Appearance
Leaves: Oval, 4–7 cm long, with finely serrated edges and a pointed tip. Dark green above, lighter beneath. Arranged alternately.
Bark: Grey-brown, becoming rough and scaly with age. Twigs often spiny.
Flowers/Fruit/Seeds: Profuse pink-tinged white blossom in spring, followed by small, yellow-green apples, 2–4 cm across, which ripen in autumn. Fruits are sour and often speckled with red.
Overall shape: Small, rounded tree with a spreading, irregular crown.
4. Typical Size (Average height)
5–10 m tall; spread 5–8 m.
5. Habitat & Range
Widespread across the UK in hedgerows, woodland edges, scrub, and roadsides. Tolerates a wide range of soils and climates.
6. Distinctive Features (ID tips)
Small, sour apples (crab apples).
Pinkish-white spring blossom.
Twisting branches with occasional spines.
Compact, rounded form.
7. Seasonal Changes
Spring: Abundant blossom, highly attractive.
Summer: Dense canopy of dark green leaves; fruits forming.
Autumn: Small yellow-green apples ripen; leaves turn yellow.
Winter: Bare, irregular crown; persistent fruit may remain.
8. Human Uses
Fruits traditionally used in jellies, chutneys, and cider.
Rootstock for grafting cultivated apple varieties.
Wood is hard and dense, occasionally used for tool handles and turnery.
Historically planted in hedgerows for fruit and stock-proofing.
9. Wildlife Value
Blossom is highly attractive to bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.
Fruits eaten by thrushes, blackbirds, small mammals, and insects.
Dense crown provides nesting habitat for birds.
10. Fun Fact / Cultural Note
The crab apple is linked to folklore and magic; it was once believed to reveal true love in divination games.
Its fruits symbolise fertility and renewal in Celtic traditions.
11. Planting & Care (Basic Instructions)
Best time to plant: Late autumn or early spring.
Soil: Prefers moist, well-drained soils; tolerates clay, loam, or sandy soils; thrives in neutral to alkaline conditions.
Light: Full sun for best flowering and fruiting; tolerates partial shade.
Watering: Water regularly for the first 2–3 years; moderately drought-tolerant once established.
Spacing: 4–6 m apart for individual trees; closer if forming a mixed hedge.
Aftercare: Mulch to conserve moisture. Protect young trees from rabbits and deer. Light pruning in late winter or early spring to maintain shape; avoid heavy pruning.
12. Good for Urban or Garden Setting?
Urban: Excellent for parks, verges, and hedges; tolerant of pollution.
Garden: Very suitable for medium and even smaller gardens as an ornamental with spring blossom and autumn fruit. Compact enough for wildlife gardens.