Siberian Crabapple

malus baccata

The Siberian Crabapple (Malus baccata) is a remarkably hardy, deciduous tree native to the cold regions of northeastern Asia, including Siberia, China, and Korea. Renowned for its spectacular spring display, this tree bursts into a cloud of fragrant white or pale pink blossoms that attract a plethora of early pollinators. In the autumn, it produces abundant, small, pea-sized red or yellow ornamental fruits that persist long into winter. This species is highly valued not only for its ornamental beauty and extreme frost tolerance but also as a sturdy rootstock for grafting cultivated apple varieties. It plays an important role in its native ecosystems, offering vital sustenance to various bird and mammal species during the harshest months of the year.

Habitat: Typically found in mixed forests, valley thickets, and along riverbanks up to high elevations in cold-temperate regions.

Appearance

This medium-sized tree typically grows up to 10 to 14 meters in height, featuring a rounded, spreading crown with slender, arching branches. In spring, it is adorned with clusters of five-petaled white flowers, approximately 3 to 3.5 centimeters across. The leaves are ovate or elliptic, dark glossy green with finely serrated margins, turning yellow or red in autumn. Its fruits are distinctively tiny, globose, and berry-like, measuring only 1 centimeter in diameter, hanging from long, slender pedicels in shades of vibrant red or yellow.

KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderRosalesFamilyRosaceaeGenusMalus

Siberian Crabapple

Interesting facts

Because of its incredible cold hardiness, it is widely used in apple breeding programs to introduce frost resistance to commercial apple cultivars.

The specific epithet 'baccata' is Latin for 'berry-like', referring to its exceptionally small, cherry-sized crabapples.

The tart fruits can be harvested to make jellies and preserves, which develop a rich, ruby-red color when cooked.

Special abilities

It can withstand temperatures as low as -45 degrees Celsius, making it one of the hardiest of all apple species.

The tiny crabapples cling tightly to the branches through heavy snows, providing a reliable winter food source for wildlife.

Its vigorous root system efficiently absorbs nutrients from poor soils and displays exceptional resistance to common root pathogens.

Measurements & details

Length: 500-1400 cm
Lifespan: 50-100 years

Diet & Feeding

As a photoautotroph, the Siberian Crabapple produces its own food through photosynthesis, utilizing sunlight, carbon dioxide, water, and essential soil minerals.

Primary Foods

Sunlight
Water
Carbon Dioxide
Soil Nutrients

Ecological connections

eaten by

Cedar Waxwing

Bombycilla cedrorum

The Cedar Waxwing feeds extensively on the persistent winter fruits of the Siberian Crabapple, helping disperse its seeds.

mutualism

Western Honey Bee

Apis mellifera

Honeybees are primary pollinators of the blossoms during the spring, gathering nectar and pollen.

parasite

Codling Moth

Cydia pomonella

Larvae of the Codling Moth feed on the developing crabapple fruit, causing internal damage.

Traits

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Also known as

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Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

No special safety notes yet.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to identify Siberian Crabapple?

The easiest way to identify Siberian Crabapple is to use the Snappit nature identifier app.

How long is Siberian Crabapple?

500-1400 cm

How long does Siberian Crabapple live?

50-100 years

What does Siberian Crabapple eat?

As a photoautotroph, the Siberian Crabapple produces its own food through photosynthesis, utilizing sunlight, carbon dioxide, water, and essential soil minerals.

Where is Siberian Crabapple usually found?

Typically found in mixed forests, valley thickets, and along riverbanks up to high elevations in cold-temperate regions.