Crab Apple Trees vs. Apple Trees: Key Differences Explained

At first glance, crab apples and regular apples appear very similar. However, there are some important distinctions between these two types of fruit trees. While both are in the Malus genus, crab apples and traditional apples exhibit key differences in fruit size, flavor, and usage.

Understanding the unique traits of each can help you determine which type of apple tree is better suited for your landscape Let’s examine how crab apple trees differ from regular apple trees

What is a Crab Apple Tree?

Crab apple trees, Malus sylvestris, are small, ornamental trees that produce tiny, tart apples averaging less than 2 inches in diameter. They are native to Europe, western Asia, and cultivated in North America.

Unlike domestic apples, most crab apples are too sour and astringent to eat fresh. The hard, bitter flesh makes them better suited for cooking, canning, jelly, wine, and cider rather than snacking.

There are over 500 cultivated varieties of crab apple trees, ranging from weeping and dwarf forms to upright, flowering types They are popular for their vibrant blossoms in spring and colorful fruit in autumn.

What is an Apple Tree?

Apple trees, Malus domestica, bear the large, sweet fruits commonly eaten fresh and used for baking. Cultivated apple trees do not grow true from seeds – cuttings must be grafted to propagate specific apple varieties.

Over 7,500 named apple cultivars exist, from heirlooms like McIntosh to newer types like Honeycrisp. Domestic apple trees were bred specifically for improved fruit quality compared to bitter crab apples. They require more pruning and care than wild crab apple trees.

Key Differences Between Crab Apples and Apples

While crab apples and apples are close cousins, there are some notable differences that set them apart:

Fruit Size

• Crab apples: Less than 2 inches diameter
• Apples: Over 2 inches, often 3-4 inches

Flavor

• Crab apples: Very tart, sour, bitter
• Apples: Range from tart to very sweet

Best Uses

• Crab apples: Cooking, jelly, wine, cider
• Apples: Eaten fresh or baked/cooked

Tree Size

• Crab apples: Often smaller, 10-25 feet tall
• Apples: Can reach over 30 feet tall

Care Needs

• Crab apples: Lower maintenance
• Apples: Require regular pruning and more care

Blooms

• Crab apples: Profuse spring blossoms
• Apples: Fewer, less showy flowers

Reasons to Grow a Crab Apple Tree

What are the benefits of planting a crab apple tree? Here are some top reasons:

• Beautiful spring blooms – Crab apple trees burst into color in spring with abundant pink, red, or white flowers. Some varieties are fragrant.

• Wildlife appeal – Birds relish the tiny, hard fruits as a high-energy food source for winter. Deer and squirrels browse fallen fruit as well.

• Pollination – The profuse flowers supply pollen for bees to help pollinate other fruit trees and crops.

• Compact size – Many crab apples stay under 20 feet tall and wide, perfect for smaller yards. But they can reach 30-40 feet.

• Low maintenance – Once established, crab apples are relatively low maintenance compared to traditional apple trees. They don’t require intensive pruning and spraying.

• Hardy – Extreme cold hardy into zone 2, crab apples tolerate cold winters and heat. They resist diseases better than domestic apples.

For those reasons, crab apples make excellent landscape specimens, pollinator trees, and wildlife habitat.

Reasons to Grow a Regular Apple Tree

What are the upsides to planting a regular apple tree? Here are some of the benefits:

• Delicious fruit – Apple trees bear plenty of large, sweet, juicy fruits perfect for fresh eating and cooking. Choose disease-resistant varieties suited for your climate.

• Wide variety – With over 7,500 types, you can find an apple tree suited for any taste – tart, sweet, crisp, soft, exotic flavors, heirlooms, good keepers.

• Multi-purpose – Use apples straight from the tree or incorporate into recipes like pies, applesauce, cider, jam, chutney, salads and more.

• Annual harvest – Unlike stone fruits, apple trees reliably produce fruit every year when mature. Proper care yields a bountiful annual crop.

• Can espalier – Apple trees can be trained into espaliers, cordons, fans against walls and fences, taking up less space.

For the reasons above, apple trees make a smart addition to any edible landscape or orchard if you have the space.

Crab Apple and Apple Tree Comparison Chart

Here is a helpful comparison chart summarizing the differences between crab apple and apple trees:

Should You Choose a Crab Apple or Apple Tree?

So should you opt for a crab apple or regular apple tree? Assess your site conditions, goals, and needs:

For ornamental value – Choose crab apples for the spring blooms and fall fruit color. Go with disease-resistant, flowering varieties suited to your zone.

For fresh eating – Apple trees are the clear winner for abundant, delicious fruits to eat out of hand. Prioritize flavor and disease resistance.

For cooking and baking – Both crab apples and regular apples work well cooked, canned, or pressed into cider. Select sweeter apple varieties if eating fresh.

For wildlife – Crab apples offer high ornamental and food value for birds and mammals. Go with disease-resistant, hardy flowering types.

For small spaces – Compact and dwarf crab apple varieties thrive in yards with limited room. Espalier apples can work too.

For pollination – Crab apples supply plentiful spring blossoms to pollinate other fruits. Added to orchards, they can boost yields.

With proper variety selection and care, both crab apple and traditional apple trees can be rewarding additions to landscapes and orchards.

Caring for Crab Apple and Apple Trees

Here are some tips for growing healthy, productive Malus trees:

• Select disease-resistant varieties suitable for your region.
• Plant in full sun (at least 6 hours daily) with well-draining soil.
• Water young trees regularly the first 2-3 years until established.
• Apply 2-4 inches of mulch around trees to retain moisture and reduce weeds.
• Prune annually in late winter to improve shape and airflow.
• Apply dormant oil spray to suppress overwintering pests and fungus.
• Fertilize in early spring with balanced organic fertilizer.
• Monitor for common apple pests like aphids, borers, mites.
• Pick fruits promptly when ripe and remove windfalls to deter pests.
• Protect trunks from rodent damage in winter.

The Takeaway

Crab apples and traditional apples share the same genus but have distinct differences when it comes to fruit traits, tree growth habits, and uses. Understanding these key distinctions will help you pick which type of apple tree fits your landscape best.

With the right growing conditions and care, both crab apples and apple trees can provide beauty, food, and enjoyment for years to come.