ExplorePlants

Pacific Crab Apple

Malus fusca

The Pacific Crab Apple is a small tree that grows beautiful flowers and tasty apples. It is often found near water and is loved by many animals.

Habitat: Coastal areas

Appearance

The Pacific Crab Apple is a small, deciduous tree featuring dark, often flaky bark and clusters of delicate pinkish-white flowers in spring. Its small, firm fruits ripen to a tart reddish-yellow in late summer, distinguishing it from larger, cultivated apples.

KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderRosalesFamilyRosaceaeGenusMalus
Pacific Crab Apple
deciduous trait badgeflowering trait badgeshade_tolerant trait badgespring_blooming trait badge
Pacific Crab Apple

Category

Plants

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

Indigenous peoples traditionally used its sour fruit for food and medicine!

Its tiny apples can stay on the tree all winter, feeding hungry birds!

Many animals, from bears to deer, love to munch on its juicy apples!

This tough tree can even grow right along salty shorelines!

Special abilities

Ability

Tidal Zone Titan

Pacific Crab Apple can tolerate waterlogged and even somewhat brackish soils, allowing it to thrive where other trees cannot.

Ability

Winter Pantry

Pacific Crab Apple has fruits that often persist on branches through winter, providing crucial food for wildlife during cold months.

Ability

Soil Stabilizer

Pacific Crab Apple can grow extensive root systems that help prevent erosion along riverbanks and coastal areas.

Measurements & details

Height
500-1200 cm
Spread
300-1000 cm
Flower Size
1-2 cm
Bloom Season
Spring to early summer
Edible
Yes
Toxicity
None
Lifecycle
Perennial
Pollination Method
Insect

Ecological connections

pollinates

European Honey Bee

Apis mellifera

Its sweet flowers attract bees

eaten by

American Black Bear

Ursus americanus

bears feast on ripe, fallen apples

eaten by

Mule Deer

Odocoileus hemionus

deer browse on its leaves and twigs

eaten by

American Robin

Turdus migratorius

robins enjoy the persistent winter fruits

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Do not eat any fruit unless an adult says it's safe!

Frequently Asked Questions

How tall is Pacific Crab Apple?

500-1200 cm

How wide does Pacific Crab Apple spread?

300-1000 cm

How big are the flowers on Pacific Crab Apple?

1-2 cm

When does Pacific Crab Apple bloom?

Spring to early summer

Is Pacific Crab Apple edible?

Yes

Is Pacific Crab Apple toxic?

None

What is Pacific Crab Apple's lifecycle?

Perennial

How is Pacific Crab Apple pollinated?

Insect

Snap Map

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Where to spot

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