Native Plants
Native Crabapple
Malus fusca
Native crabapple grows as a multi-stemmed shrub or small tree in the moist landscapes of Southwest Washington. Spring flowers draw pollinators, and small fruits later feed birds and other wildlife. It commonly reaches about 10 to 15 feet in the wild, though older plants can approach 30 feet or more; its spread is variable and may exceed its height. Give it room along a wetland edge, in a habitat planting, or in an informal hedgerow where fallen fruit will not collect on busy paving. Full sun supports best growth, while partial shade is tolerated. Moist to wet soil suits it, with watering needed during establishment.
Ask about this plant
Malus fusca (Raf.) C.K.Schneid. cultivated at Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.jpg
_C.K.Schneid._cultivated_at_Royal_Botanic_Gardens,_Kew.jpg){kind=link}
CC BY 4.0 · Web-optimized
At a glance
- Mature height
- Often 10–15 ft; can reach about 30 ft or more
- Mature spread
- Variable; often wider than tall
- Light
- Full sun to partial shade
- Hardiness
- USDA Zone 6
The right plant, the right place
Make room for something good.
Its shrub or small-tree form suits habitat plantings, wetland edges, and informal hedgerows. Flowers and fruit provide food for pollinators, birds, and other wildlife.
Where to plant
Choose a naturalistic space that can accommodate a broad, sometimes multi-stemmed plant. Full sun supports best growth, though partial shade is suitable.
Through the seasons
Spring flowers appear before small crabapple fruits mature later in the season. The foliage is deciduous.
Southwest Washington gardens
Give it a good start.
Native crabapple is suited to moist habitat-style plantings in Southwest Washington. Its tolerance of wet soil makes it useful at wetland edges and in restoration plantings.
Soil, drainage & water
Plant in moist, seasonally moist, or wet soil. Keep the root area watered during establishment, especially through dry periods.
A little care goes a long way
Growing well, season after season.
Water regularly while the plant establishes. Prune for structure if you want a tree form, and protect young plants where deer browse.
Know what to look for
Common growing concerns.
Symptoms can have more than one cause. These notes are a starting point for observing your plant and improving its growing conditions.
Apple scab
Dark lesions on leaves or fruit, sometimes followed by early leaf drop.
Help your plant thrive
Allow airflow and remove fallen leaves and fruit.
Fire blight
Blossoms or shoots blacken and wilt; branches may die back.
Help your plant thrive
Prune infected tissue properly, limit wounds, and avoid excess nitrogen.
A little more inspiration
Keep exploring.
Golden currant
Ribes aureum
Fragrant yellow spring flowers and variable-colored berries make golden currant useful in informal edible planting, provided its suckering habit and regional provenance are considered.
Explore this plant
Choke Cherry
Prunus virginiana
Chokecherry brings spring flowers and summer fruit to roomy habitat plantings; allow for suckers and protect people and livestock from its toxic leaves and pits.
Explore this plantFlowering currant
Ribes sanguineum 'White Icicle'
White Icicle flowering currant offers white spring flowers, wildlife value, and an upright native shrub form for sunny or partly shaded, well-drained Southwest Washington gardens.
Explore this plantGood gardens start with a conversation
Let’s find the right plant
for your place.
Ask our team about plant selection and current availability.