Prairie Crab Apple (Malus ioensis)
Prairie Crab Apple (Malus ioensis)
A true native apple indigenous to the Midwestern prairie states, Prairie Crab used to be much more common than it is presently. When most of our Midwestern landscapes were grasslands that had frequent fire return intervals they were more plentiful – but we can help bring them back. Prairie crabs have a shrubby/bushy appearance and make excellent “islands” of cover and shade in old field type habitats that deer and other mammals can rest under on a sunny day. They also make great cover for species such as quail and turkey. The blooms often have a pink tinge to them that is quite the spectacle every spring, and will be covered in pollinating insects that have evolved for millennia to be accustomed to this native species. While the green fruits aren’t the greatest for fresh eating by human standards, they are very tart, high in pectin, and make a great addition to jellies. Oh yeah and deer gobble them up.
Prairie Crab Apple Planting Tips
You can plant these orchard style on a 15-20’ foot spacing, or plant them in clumps for a more natural look on a 10-12’ spacing. Prairie Crab is adapted dry and alkaline soils but does thrive in deep and well drained soils.
| Zone: | 4 - 8 |
| Soil pH: | 5.5 - 8.2 |
| Wildlife Value: | Excellent |
| Site Preference: | Full sun |
| Fruit Maturity Date: | Late Summer, Early Fall |
| Fruit: | Green |
Prairie Crab Apple Zone Map
Customer Reviews
Trees arrived looking very healthy with good packaging and plenty or moist soil on roots. Will buy more. I do not recommend grow tubes on these trees. These Crabapples grow so fast the first season the branches grow in spirals and must be pruned off. They were planted in very poor soil in the Lower Coastal Plains of MS. I'm looking forward to my putting these in my second orchard on my place.
Vivid red fall color! Both ecologically and aesthetically beautiful, yet so rarely used. I’m excited to add these to my landscape
Prairie Crab Apple (Malus ioensis)