The native crab apple which is often found as component of old hedging or in gardens of old farmsteads. Malus Sylvesteris is a small to medium sized tree of typical apple shape with a rounded canopy on spreading branches and a compact habit. The tree produces attractive pinkish/white blossoms in spring that are rich in nectar so an important food source for pollinators early in the year. The blossoms are also high in pollen making the crab apple a good pollinating companion to dessert or cooking apple varieties.
Crab apples are produced in Autumn, they are very small yellow/green fruits which are sour so not good eaten raw. Due to the high pectin in fruit crab apples make an excellent jam or jelly; they can be used on their own or to assist setting when making jam with low pectin fruit.
Crab apples make pretty free standing trees or can be used as part of an edible, fruiting hedge.
